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Monday, July 23, 2007
Town officials shave heads for peace, development
By Joel P. Mapiles
CANDABA -- Town Mayor Jerry Pelayo and other local officials, including barangay leaders and sectoral representatives, had their heads shaved Sunday to send a strong message that people were tired of the insurgency problem in the country.
"Seedlings not bullets, seedlings not guns; give peace a chance!" was their battle cry.
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The mayor urged all local government officials in the country to initiate moves to stop insurgency. He said the problem is derailing government's efforts to bring total development to the countryside.
Pelayo also encouraged other officials to take an active role in handling the peace process in their respective areas of jurisdiction, as they are well versed in the dynamics and terrain of their places and have first-hand information on the root causes of insurgency.
A long time ago, he said, the once sleepy town of Candaba was known as one of the hotbeds of rebellion in Central Luzon. But due to the persistent efforts of local officials, they were able to socio-economically transform Candaba into a first-class municipality.
The mayor said armed groups that were once the enemies of the state had laid down their arms, started tilling and enriching their farmlands, and eventually became strong partners of the government in agri-aqua food production.
"Let us all work together to create an atmosphere of peace and productivity. Let us invest more on seeds for food, not on bullets for war," he said.
In fact, Pelayo said Candaba is best known for its melons and watermelons. This town, he added, is also one of the top producers of tilapia and other freshwater fish in Central Luzon.
He claimed that if they were able to do it, others can as well.
"We did it, you can do it. We Filipinos can do it together to help work for lasting peace and development," he said. (Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (July 23, 2007 issue)
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