Tagum City, Davao del Norte — July 25, 2025
Davao del Norte celebrated a significant milestone on Friday as it marked the third anniversary of its declaration as an insurgency-free province, showcasing the fruits of sustained peacebuilding, successful rebel reintegration, and inclusive local governance.
A commemorative event was held in Tagum City, bringing together national and local government officials, military and police personnel, and former rebels to highlight the progress since the province was cleared of communist insurgency in 2022.
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. led the ceremony and lauded the province’s commitment to peace. He credited the transformation to the effective implementation of the Local Peace Engagement (LPE) and Transformation Program, which have addressed the root causes of conflict such as poverty, marginalization, and lack of services.
“This is what happens when people take part in the peacebuilding process,” Galvez said. “Davao del Norte showed that when government, communities, and local leaders work as one, even the most difficult conflicts can be resolved.”
Galvez reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace” through a whole-of-nation approach that promotes inclusive development and responsive governance. Under this strategy, local peace efforts, community transformation programs, and support for former rebels—such as livelihood, housing, and education assistance—have been prioritized.
From Conflict Zones to Model Communities
Davao del Norte was once a stronghold of the New People’s Army (NPA), with four active guerrilla fronts operating in 2016. Today, those fronts have been dismantled, and former conflict zones have been converted into thriving communities with government support.
Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region XI, hailed the province as a “model for sustainable peace and inclusive development.”
“Davao del Norte has set a benchmark for peace and development that other provinces in Mindanao can emulate,” Magno said, citing strong local leadership, inter-agency coordination, and grassroots participation as key factors.
As part of the celebration, 27 former rebels received financial aid to help them rebuild their civilian lives—₱10,000 each for former NPA combatants and ₱5,000 for militia members.
One of the beneficiaries was Gary Almini, alias “Imaw,” a 42-year-old former rebel who spent 23 years in the NPA alongside his wife, also a former combatant. “Para buo ang pamilya ug matutukan ang kaugmaon sa among mga anak,” said Almini, now a father of three.
Another recipient, Loida Ibudan, 29, joined the insurgency in 2014 and left after her partner deserted the movement. “Gikapoy na. Ganahan nako mag-minyo ug magpuyo og normal,” she shared.
Sustaining Peace Through Development
Governor Edwin Jubahib emphasized that preserving the gains of peace is even more challenging than attaining it. He underscored the importance of sustaining government services in remote areas by improving roads, building schools, and investing in healthcare and education.
“So, once again, I am calling upon everyone to continue working together, to build on the gains of peace, and to ensure that we shall carry this momentum forward,” Jubahib said.
He urged unity among all stakeholders in creating a future “where no Dabaonon is left behind, neglected, or cowering in fear.”
Among those who attended the ceremony were Vice Governor Clarice Jubahib, OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao Director Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña, NHA OIC Engr. Sharfuddin Anami, DILG Region XI Director Dr. Abdulah Matalam, and other national and local officials.
The event marks not just a commemoration but a reaffirmation of the province’s resolve to stay on the path of peace, resilience, and inclusive progress.