CONSTRUCTION of cell site towers and chocolate factory within the Paquibato District are among the priority projects that will be built with the help of Peace 911, a channel for all services and activities in Paquibato area which was launched last Thursday under Davao City Peace Advisory Committee.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said during Thursday's Peace 911 launching held at Paquibato Elementary School Gym that the establishment of Peace 911 was the pre-condition why these companies agreed to commit to build such project in the area.
The city mayor was the guest of honor in the activity.
"For the tower, there is no money coming from the city. It's just a push to allow Smart and Globe to enter the area because they hesitate to come here. (They are afraid) that the people will burn the tower, but we have assured them that we will build this Peace 911, and ask the commitment of the people and then you come in," she said on Friday, May 11.
Aside from the cell sites, Duterte-Carpio also said that the city also eyes to allot P4 million to P6 million in addition to the Magnegosyo ta Day Program to add to the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) fund of P2 million for the construction of a chocolate factory in the area.
She said that the City Engineer's Office will construct the facility in Barangay Mapula.
Duterte-Carpio, in her speech, only asked the people's cooperation to protect all forms of development in the area, particularly since the place has been tagged as a territory of the New People's Army (NPAs).
"There is really a need for economic activities and money in this area for a better life and also to reverse poverty, which is why we need your support and commitment for these projects," she said.
As to whether the areas for construction will be guarded by security forces, Duterte-Carpio said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will assess first the areas if these are safe from the people, and if the people will be true to their commitment to maintain peace.
Lieutenant Colonel Darren Comia, 16th Infantry Battalion commander, told reporters on Thursday that personnel from the 16th IB were deployed to secure all barangays in Paquibato District and Upper Calinan in fourth quarter last year.
"I would say that Paquibato is relatively peaceful, not only because of us but because the people of the barangays are cooperating with us," he said.
He said they have not monitored presence of armed guerilla of Pulang Bagani Company (PBC) in the area led by one KaJinggoy.
A resident in the area, Nanan Anlingcao, member of the Ata tribe, lauded both projects bared by the mayor. She said that the cell site will be a big help because students in the area will no longer need to go to Panabo City to access internet. She also said that the chocolate factory will benefit the cacao farmers, adding that she is willing to support these projects.
Anlingcao was among the residents in the area who attended Thursday's Peace 911 launch.
Each barangay was represented and were made aware of the role of the Peace 911, which was to create a single channel for all services and activities to be introduced in the Paquibato area while sustaining peace and security for all.
Through Peace 911, the city aims to implement swiftly the programs eyed to become the solution of the insurgency and poverty in the area.
Primary components of Peace 911 programs include Strategic and Integrated Agricultural Plan (such as agri tourism), community-based health and wellness program, and local capacities for peace including inter-cultural harmony. Its supplemental components include enhancement of women's participation in public office, youth development through sports and arts, and creation of the Indigenous People's Affairs Office (IPAO) to address discrimination and will focus on the IP's own programs and implementation.
Peace 911 is the product of consultations conducted by the Davao City Peace Advisory Council led by Retired Judge Ridgway Tanjili. (With Brisbane Titular, FSUU intern/SunStar Davao)