Davao de Oro bolsters peacebuilding initiatives thru ‘Tid Talks

“As the leader of the province of Davao de Oro, we reaffirm our commitment to building a peaceful nation that thrives on integrity, inclusivity, and genuine public service to the people,” said Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, in her video message, during the 7th episode of ‘Tid Talks at SM Ecoland, Davao City on September 12.

Part of the National Peace Consciousness Month Celebration, the ‘Tid Talks event, titled “Anak sa NPA, Taga-suporta sa NPA, Nahikmata na sa Kamatuoran,” featured guest speakers including Christian ‘Alias Khan’ Pastor, a Friend Rescued and Eugene Cabalida, Chairman of the Sangab Energetic Farmers Association (SEFA).

Alias Khan recounted his personal experiences of how communist insurgents implanted ideologies in their minds that fostered animosity towards the government. He spent 8 years in the movement to supposedly serve the Filipino people, but he did not achieve anything.

“Kato nga mga panahon, kato nga mga oras didtu ko nedisisyon nga kini akong pag surender para ni sa akong pamilya. Hangtud malampuson ko nga naa diria ug luwas nga walay tatsa, maski kusi wala koy nabati diha sa pagsurender nako sa kasundaluhan” said Alias Khan.

He added that when he made the decision to surrender, his life changed and stated “Sa pagsurender nako nauban na nako akong pamilya, adlaw gabie. Tibuok kinabuhi nako naa na sa akong mga anak, ako na [sila] maamuma”

Meanwhile, Eugene Cabalida, Chairman of SEFA, highlighted the transformative impact of the ELCAC-Barangay Development Programs in Brgy. Sangab, Maco, which was formerly plagued by insurgency. Having witnessed the improvements in their community, he stands as living proof of the effective collaboration between different government bodies to bring much-needed development for them.

“Kana nga barangay dili basta-basta ang kaagi, karun mapagarbuhon ko nga sa tibuok Davao de Oro usa ang Sangab nga nagkatag ang mga proyektong gikan sa gobyerno arun makita nga buhi , nga ang gobyerno gayud wala magpabaya sa iyang dakong obligasyon para sa katawhan” Cabalida pointed out.

Moreover, Governor Gonzaga also underlined the joint endeavors of the various governments that greatly contributed to the victory as the province and region are now free from insurgency.

She ended her speech, saying “Together, let us continue to create an environment where every citizen, regardless of their background, can fully benefit from the fruits of progress … When we make peace through ways of peace, government truly works!”

Further, ‘Tid Talks, also known as Kapatid Talks, served as the local counterpart of TED Talks within the province. It is one of the platforms of the local and national government agencies and security sectors to unveil the deceptive tactics employed by the communist movement while educating the vulnerable youth about various peace initiatives undertaken by both local and national governments. (Jaynus Fernandez, Photos by R. Naval)