Butuan City, November 25, 2024 – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga marked a historic milestone with the inaugural Gawad Galing Pangkapayapaan: RCSP CY 2024 Implementation Review and Recognition of Best Implementers held at the Pavilion at the Watergate, Butuan City. This landmark event celebrated outstanding contributions to the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), emphasizing local governance’s vital role in fostering peace and development.
Honoring Excellence in Peacebuilding and Governance
Assistant Regional Director Donald A. Seronay set the tone for the event, emphasizing resilience, justice, and collaboration as essential pillars of sustainable peace. Drawing inspiration from luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., Seronay underscored the importance of justice and compassion in building harmonious communities.
The awards recognized exceptional local government units (LGUs) and DILG field offices for their achievements in community engagement, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Special Awards for LGUs
Among the honorees were:
- Active and Inclusive Community Participation: Butuan City
- Strong and Sustained Collaboration: Bayugan City, Bunawan, La Paz, Rosario, San Luis, Talacogon, and the Province of Agusan del Sur
- Exemplifying Accountability and Efficiency: Alegria, Bacuag, Claver, Gigaquit, Mainit, Malimono, Placer, Tubod, and the Province of Surigao del Norte
- Effective Strengthening Local Capacity for Development: Buenavista, Cabadbaran City, Jabonga, Santiago, and the Province of Agusan del Norte
- Efficient and Innovative Engagement: Multiple LGUs from Surigao del Sur, led by Barobo, Bislig, and Tago
Best Implementing DILG Field Offices
In the competitive recognition of DILG field offices, Surigao del Sur claimed the top spot, followed by Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Sur.
A Showcase of Transformative Governance
The ceremony celebrated the RCSP’s role as a bridge between governance and grassroots communities. By addressing local conflicts and enhancing basic services, the program has fostered trust and peace in formerly insurgency-affected areas.
Assistant Director Seronay lauded the efforts of LGUs and field offices, highlighting their commitment to addressing the root causes of local conflicts and promoting development.
Moving Forward
The event concluded with a tribute to the hard work of technical personnel, community development officers, and LGU partners, whose collective efforts brought RCSP’s vision to life across Caraga. As the program year ends, DILG Caraga called for sustained collaboration and innovation to inspire greater impact in peacebuilding and governance in the years ahead.
This first Gawad Galing Pangkapayapaan Awards sets a high benchmark for excellence, inspiring stakeholders to continue bridging governance with grassroots communities for sustainable development and peace.