“Davao de Oro has emerged as a shining example of resilience and unity. Through the collaborative efforts of our brave citizens, dedicated public servants, committed men and women in uniformed personnel, we have successfully eradicated the menace of insurgency that once plagued our land”, message of Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga during the ceremony of 1st anniversary of the insurgency-free province on June 22, 2023, at the Capitol Lobby, Nabunturan.
The one-day celebration kicked off with a motorcade followed by the soft opening of “Kalayaan Village” situated in Barangay Libasan, Nabunturan, the release of livelihood and financial assistance to friends rescued and people’s organizations, and the signing of a manifesto of support on sustaining peace and development in the province.
Aside from commemorating the significant milestone, Gov Gonzaga also underscored the importance of protecting the hard-earned gains by remaining to be vigilant, engaging in constructive dialogue, and reinforcing the determination to combat all forms of insurgency, including those that originate from within.
Joy James “Ka Amihan” Saguino and Kurt Russel “Ka Ugnay” Sosa, friends rescued who have chosen the path of peace and unity, pay tribute to the sacrifices made along the way and honor the bravery of those who against all odds, and choose to stand up for what is right, even in the face of grave challenges.Both are a living testament to the transformative power of hope, forgiveness, and the human capacity for change.
“May this anniversary be etched in our hearts as a symbol of our collective triumph over darkness; we rejoice in the transformation of our province; the families reunited, the communities rebuilt, and the dreams reignited,” Joy said.
Sosa heartened his former comrades to channel their passion and idealism into constructive endeavors that uplift the communities and create lasting change.
Davao de Oro, a province that was once a hotbed of communist insurgency, hosting 7 of the 18 guerrilla fronts in the Davao region, has 133 barangays identified as conflict-vulnerable areas, now celebrating the fruits of all the government’s unwavering efforts and determination. (R. Hortizano, Photos by A. Dayao & R. Naval)
