ALABEL, Sarangani -- Various peace advocates and peace partners of the provincial government of Sarangani participated in the peace covenant signing on September 21 at the Capitol gym.

The Panaghiusa: Signing of the Peace Covenant with the stakeholders from all over the seven municipalities of Sarangani was in line with the celebration of the International Day of Peace every 21st of September, as declared by the United Nations.

Written in the Sarangani Province Peace Pact is the manifesto of support of the stakeholders and other organizations to the Kalinaw Program of the provincial government of Sarangani under the Ronda Probinsya flagship program of Governor Rogelio “Ruel” D. Pacquiao.

The peace advocates affixed their signatures manifesting their cooperation “as one in spirit and in goodwill for a peaceful Sarangani.”

Peace advocates and peace partners of the provincial government include the men in uniform from the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), municipal and barangay officials, former rebels, Indigenous Peoples representatives, Haggai pastors, academic and non-academic institutions, and other partner organizations.

According to Jehanna Pelima, program manager of RP Kalinaw and RP Sarangani Bangsamoro Affairs Program, the Panaghiusa event “is very symbolic and napakahalaga sa history ng Sarangani.”

Pelima said the event became an avenue to have “peace conversations” between and among peace stakeholders “na may iisang adhikain na mapanatili ang kapayapaan sa probinsya ng Sarangani.”

Prior to the ceremonial signing, several representatives from the MNLF, MILF, and the former rebels shared their “experiences of peace” while members of the 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan also gave their message of support to all peace advocates.

Governor Pacquiao told the stakeholders “we are indeed encouraged by your show of commitment in working towards a peaceful and progressive Sarangani.”

He also pledged his “full commitment to work hand in hand” with other officials, leaders, and stakeholders in making Sarangani a “resilient, dynamic, progressive, and peaceful province,” as he invoked everyone’s support in achieving such goals. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)