Military conducts community dialogues in Surigao conflict areas

TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to conduct dialogues in conflict-affected areas to win the hearts and minds of far-flung villagers in the hinterlands of Surigao del Sur.

Second Lt. Maricris C. Capilitan, Civil Military Operation Officer (CMO) of the Army’s 75th Infantry (Marauder) Bartallion (75th IB) told The Manila Bulletin on Monday that the units’ Community Support Program (CSP) spearheaded the community dialogue in far-flung villages of Barangay Sta. Juana, in Tagbina town, Surigao del Sur last week.

Close to 200 residents participated in the peace dialogue where government programs were laid down by local government units (LGUs) and government agencies.

The “Dialogue for Peace and Development” (DPD) was held at Sta. Juana Gymnasium, Tagbina town of that same province. Barangay Sta. Juana was a recipient of the Peace and Development Zone (PDZ) program in Caraga region.

“PDZ will promote durable peace by addressing the root causes of conflict through reconciliation, institution building, and social, political, and economic transformation particularly in Conflict Affected Areas (ConAAs),” said 75th IB commander Lt. Col. Jaime R Datuin, who spearheaded the activity.

Among the key personalities present during the occasion were Tagbina town Mayor Generoso Naraiso, Regional Director Dr. Florencio Sunico Jr. of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Provincial Director Rey Cueva, also of TESDA in Surigao del Sur and other local officials, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Business Permit Licensing Office (BPLO), Municipal Treasurer’s Office (MTO) and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

During the community dialogue, barangay officials and concerned residents raised issues and concerns with the respective government agencies.

Mayor Naraiso said the efforts of the government to reach the grassroots through dialogues only shows its sincerity in facilitating the peace and development concerns of affected communities. “If there is no peace, there is no development,” he added.