Dipolog City, April 3 — The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte has formally updated its Security, Peace and Order, Unity and Stability Efforts (SPOUSE Plan) during a joint meeting of key provincial councils on April 3. The meeting was held at the Plenary Hall of the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Exhibition Center and led by Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” Jalosjos.
The SPOUSE Plan was presented by Engr. Carl Mira of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) during the joint session of the 1st Quarter Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), the 2nd Quarter Joint Meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and the Provincial Development Council (PDC).
According to Mira, the plan is designed to build on the province’s recent gains against insurgency by strengthening law enforcement, promoting unity and reconciliation, addressing the root economic causes of insurgency, preparing communities against disasters, enhancing territorial defense, and boosting the image of the Zamboanga Peninsula as a peaceful destination to attract both tourists and investors.
The SPOUSE Plan aligns with Executive Order No. 70, issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte, which institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflicts through the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). The Zamboanga Peninsula was officially declared insurgency-free on December 5 last year.
To support the implementation of the SPOUSE Plan, the provincial government has allocated Php715,063,053.00 from its Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Program.
A major component of the plan is the establishment of a Peace and Development Center within the provincial capitol this year. Additionally, infrastructure projects under the PAMANA (PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn) Program—administered by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity—will also be implemented with a funding of Php178,800,000.00.
The updated SPOUSE Plan is seen as a comprehensive strategy that not only secures the province but also paves the way for inclusive and sustainable peace and development.