Gov't launches peace caravan in Andap Valley Complex–Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 25): Gov't launches peace caravan in Andap Valley Complex–Palace

Malacanang said on Tuesday the government has launched its second peace caravan in the Andap Valley Complex, Surigao del Sur that will ensure communities that are prone to exploitation by lawless elements to gain access to basic social services and inclusive growth.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the caravan is the result of a strengthened convergence of national agencies, local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in delivering basic services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

“It is part of the government’s inclusive growth agenda,” he stressed in a Palace press briefing.

Coloma said Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Ging Deles and Agrarian Reform Secretary Gil delos Reyes are part of the caravan, along with undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, directors and staff from various agencies such as the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace and the Office of the Political Adviser.

These agencies also include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Mindanao Coordinating Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Human Rights, the Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Education.

“Alongside presenting the menu of available government programs and services, the caravan will also be a venue for consultation between the community and the government on various issues,” Coloma said.

The Andap Valley Complex covers the mountain areas of the towns of San Miguel, San Agustin, Marihatag, Cagwait, Tago, and Lianga in Surigao del Sur.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=796848