Kalinaw News: ELCAC Give Light and Hope to Former NPA Guerilla Base

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 21, 2021): ELCAC Give Light and Hope to Former NPA Guerilla Base



MAKILALA, COTABATO – Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Davao del Sur in partnership with 39IB spearheaded an Inter-Agency Community Development Project “Liliwanag Latil” from September 14-20, 2021 in an isolated Sitio of Latil, Brgy Abnate, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.

Project “Liliwanag Latil” is a project under the banner of Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict aims to provide training on Photovoltaic System and Solar Panel Installation and solar energy power to off-grid remote villages where regular electricity distribution lines have not yet reached.

Sitio Latil, is a former guerilla base in a remote village, which can be reached through an average of 2-3 hours hike inhabited by B’laan tribe was considered as among the secluded communities in the province of Davao del Sur.

In an information gathered by the Community Support Team of 39th Infantry Battalion, this B’laan community endured decades of darkness at night which was made worse by their remote location and inaccessible roads. It became the CPP-NPA terrorist haven for a long period of time.

Joining the project implementations are Department of Social Welfare and Development Region XI, Provincial Local Government Unit of Davao del Sur, Local Government Unit of Kiblawan, National Commission on Indigenous People of Davao del Sur, Youth For Peace Movement Davao del Sur Chapter and Harley Owners Group Davao Chapter.

The project culminated yesterday afternoon Sept 20, 2021 which was highlighted with ceremonial lighting of solar powered lights to 35 households and civic action program.

TESDA Davao del Sur Instructor, Ms Gina Sabellano expressed optimism that the project will bring “light and hope” to the social care needed by Sitio Latil and other Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.

“I hope that this activity is a “light and hope” to bring social care to Latil and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas vulnerable from conflict” Sabellano said.

During the Send-off Ceremony, Hon Jason Rama, Mayor of Kiblawan emphasized the “whole-of-nation” approach as a vital key in the attainment of lasting peace in the rest of Davao del Sur.

“The peace and development efforts through the convergence of different line agencies of the government is a clear manifestation that our government is serious on its campaign in ending this local communist armed conflict.” the Mayor said.

“We will continue to strive for the government programs to reach the most remote communities because through this we can protect our IP brothers and sisters from the propaganda and deception of the Communist Terrorist Group.” Hon Rama added.

Meanwhile, Datu Rogelio Bulani Latil’s Sitio Leader recognized the efforts of the different government agencies in continuously reaching to communities in far-flung areas.

“We thank the government for their unending support to help the IP communities. We are now enlightened that only the government programs and services can help us achieve lasting peace and prosperity.” Datu Bulani expressed.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/elcac-give-light-and-hope-to-former-npa-guerilla-base/