SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) -- The provincial government here, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), recently led a peace summit to bolster efforts in maintaining and securing peace, order, and safety throughout the province.

Held at Culasi Central School in Culasi town from August 3-4, the Provincial Peace Summit 2023 intended to foster dialogue, collaboration, and solidarity among stakeholders and thereafter achieve lasting peace for shared growth and development.

BGen. Samson then underscored the importance of inclusive and participatory governance in addressing the problem of communist armed conflict, while stressing the need for a synchronized approach in effectively dealing with emerging challenges.

Some 73 former rebels (FRs) from different municipalities attended the event and received different aid from national government agencies (NGAs), including P5,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and P15,000 Pangkabuhayan Package to 20 identified FRs from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Apart from peace talks and the distribution of different government assistance, a “Walk for Peace,” medical mission, organization of FRs, signing of peace commitment, and a “deradicalization” session by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) were also held in the summit.

The peace summit forms part of the implementation of Executive Order (E.O.) No. 70, S. 2018 issued by former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte which seeks to promote a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in the country. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique/Courtesy of James Rubino and Antique PSWDO/Photo Credit: Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers)