Kalinaw News: 71IB launches the “Light of Peace, Light of Hope” Project in Mabini, Davao de Oro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 2, 2020): 71IB launches the “Light of Peace, Light of Hope” Project in Mabini, Davao de Oro



Mawab, Davao De Oro – The Kaibigan Battalion in collaboration with the Team RPG-MBC, LGU Mabini, Mabini Parish, and PLGU Davao de Oro initiated a Solar Electrification Project dubbed as Light of Peace, Light of Hope (LPLH) Project to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) of Mabini, Davao de Oro which aims to provide solar electrification to the former red areas and most in-need communities to include IP communities.

The 71st Infantry (KAIBIGAN) Battalion under the leadership of LTC SONNY E GONZALES has envisioned to transform conflict affected areas to conflict resilient communities through the Whole of Nation Approach. Implementation of livelihood programs and facilitation of various infrastructure projects are some of the issues that need to be addressed so that the people will not be exploited by the armed group and eventually end local armed conflict.

The lack of electricity in these areas is one of the many hitches that they have been experienced for years and one of the exploited issues by the CTG leading to the establishment of Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) of the CPP-NPA.

The apt implementation of the Community Support Program (CSP) have seen the actual living condition and have assessed the biggest need of these GIDAs. The concerted efforts between the 71IB and the different stakeholders addressed the electricity concern of Sitio Dagpang benefitting 17 households, to include two (2) purok shade, and one (1) chapel; nine (9) households, and one (1) chapel from Sitio KM 13 in Patawon; 20 households, and one (1) chapel from Sitio Cambaratic A; also, Cambaratic B with six (6) households, one (1) purok shade, and two (2) installed street lights; and 14 households from Sitio Darot. Locals from Brgy Cabuyoan to Sitio Patawon also feel gratified and contented with the installation of the 50 solar street lights along the road.

Proceeds from the Kaibigan Sikad Para sa Kalinaw 2020: “2nd Tusik Trail, Bike for A Cause” initiated by the 71st Infantry Battalion with the active support of the stakeholders from PLGU headed by Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, RPG-MBC headed by Cong. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Hon. Reynaldo Dayanghirang of LGU Mabini and Rev Fr. Emerson Luego of the Sto Niño Parish, made this initiative successfully realized.

A purok chairman from Dagpang once expressed that his family including locals in his area has lived out their lives for 23 years without electricity. He is gratefully thankful for efficiently addressing their very need that has remained unforeseen for
many years.

Another citizen from Special Brgy Singapore also expressed that conditions like this is both a cause and impact of conflict which has been the stage of armed conflict for so many years. He added that she, her family, down to her grandsons and granddaughters have continually live without any electricity. She is now very much thankful to the 71IB and other peace stakeholders for providing this service. She also believed that this new light of hope will give comfort to their living condition.

From former red area, now transformed into a conflict resilient community. The area is starting to develop as the Kaibigan troopers is doing its best to reach out these communities to address their basic and immediate needs, bridging the gap between local Governments and far-flung communities.

“I believe that winning the hearts and minds of the people is a collective effort. The lessons we have learned from Community Support Program (CSP) with the active involvement of our peace stakeholders in the province are very much important in
treading the path to peace and development. I can see that our peacebuilding initiatives are effecting positive change, and I am confident that if we continue battling out this way, we will end the communist threat in our Area of Operation.” Lt. Col. Gonzales, said..

Through series of lectures, workshops, open forum, and consultations, the participants became cognizant on the Government’s earnestness in helping them prosper and embrace peace. Most importantly, they were also re-oriented from communist ideology through deradicalization.

The 4-day activity was concluded by a peace rally at Brgy Pindasan, Mabini, Davao de Oro where they have publicly declared the CPP-NPA-NDF as Persona Non-Grat stressing their expression towards communist terrorists who are no longer welcome in the community. Consequently, banned from entering their barangays. Participants were given P1000.00 financial assistance from Cong. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Congressman of 2nd District of the Province of Davao de Oro and food packs from Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, Governor of Davao de Oro.

They also received 15 boxes of sardines from Hon. Reynaldo L. Dayanghirang, Municipal Mayor of Mabini. Sitios Cambaratig A & B and Darot also received solar panels from 71IB including vegetable seeds to the three (3) established People’s Organization in Mabini.

“Insurgency is not a war of ideologies. It is a war of poverty and delivering of basic services of Government to the geographically isolated and disadvantage area. We are doing our best to recover and win back these victims of the CPP NPA NDF exploitation in order to bring them peace and stability.” LTC SONNY E GONZALES said.

“War is not the answer to poverty, unity is. Let us all work together to end insurgencies and achieve peace and development in our municipality. Bringing peace and security attracts tourism and thus provide livelihood to our people. Progress is born in your communities if you give full support to the programs of the LGU.” Hon. Reynaldo L. Dayanghirang said.

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