THE province of Davao del Sur started its celebration of the first anniversary of the declaration of the province as insurgency-free with a flag-raising ceremony Thursday, May 25, 2023, in front of the Davao del Sur Provincial Capitol in Digos City with the theme: “Davsuranong Kalinaw alang sa Maanyag na Paraiso.”
The momentous event was graced by Lieutenant General Greg Almerol, Eastern Mindanao Command chief, and was participated by different stakeholders, local government units (LGUs) and other recipients of conflict transformation after its emancipation from insurgency one year ago.
In his message, Almerol encouraged the peace partners and LGUs to work hand in hand to sustain the peace gains
“We achieved this insurgency-free status because we worked hard for it and we should always work holistically to succeed and sustain the peace that we have gained,” Almerol said.
Prior to the flag-raising ceremony, a convergence motorcade from the boundaries of the province was conducted and participated by all the LGUs of Davao del Sur together with different government agencies.
A three-day Peace Fair will follow this kick-off celebration at the Gaisano Mall of Digos City from May 26 to 28, 2023, with a musical special performance of Ronnie Liang, cultural performances of different ethnic groups from the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (Gidas) and former rebels emancipation stories sponsored by the various LGUs of the province. (PR)