Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy committed to fast-track the various digital transformation initiatives of the Department to accelerate progress in Palawan Province as he joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. in the opening of the National Peace Consciousness Month 2023 and the declaration of Palawan Island as “insurgency-free” on Friday, September 1 at Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan, Puerto Princesa City.
Secretary Uy, who was designated as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) - MIMAROPA, emphasized the crucial role of peace in achieving prosperity as he lauded the various stakeholders in the province and the region for their contributions in eradicating insurgency in the province.
“Progress could not be achieved without peace. With its rich natural resources, resilient citizens, and a land free of extremism, Palawan is set to enter a new era of accelerated and unprecedented development that will highly benefit its people. On the part of the DICT and under the leadership of our President, we will continue to fast-track the implementation of our various programs to pave the way to digitally transform the province of Palawan,” Uy said in his opening remarks.
In his keynote address, President Marcos emphasized the need to further implement the whole-of-nation approach and strengthen collaboration among sectors to achieve lasting peace in the country.
“Kailangan maramdaman ng bawat Pilipino na nandito, hindi lamang ang pamahalaan, kung hindi pati na ang local communities, pati na ang local government, pati na ang mga pulis, pati na ang mga sundalo, pati na lahat ng bahagi ng ating lipunan ay nandiyan upang suportahan at pagandahin ang kanilang buhay. Kapag natupad natin ‘yang pangako na ‘yan ay makikita natin na magiging mas madali ang usapan na papunta sa kapayapaan,” the President said.
In December 2022, the Joint Palawan Provincial Task Force ELCAC (PTF-ELCAC) and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) issued a joint resolution confirming that all focused areas and Kinokonsolida Konsolidadong Ekspansyon at Rekoberi (KKER) areas in Palawan and Puerto Princesa City were cleared of insurgents.
The kick-off ceremony for this year’s Peace Month, which carries the theme “Kapayapaan: Responsibilidad ng Mamamayan,” was also graced by dignitaries, military officers, peace advocates, and government officials, including Palawan Governor Victorino Dennis M. Socrates, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, and DICT Regional Director Cheryl C. Ortega.
The National Peace Consciousness Month is celebrated annually in September through Proclamation No. 675 issued in 2004 by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. (DICT)
