OPAPRU inaugurates peace, dev’t center in Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TAGO, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), in partnership with the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, inaugurated the “Hamugaway,” a peace and development center in Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur on August 15.
The event was a milestone in the province's ongoing efforts to foster sustainable peace and inclusive development, and was attended by OPAPRU Senior Undersecretary Isidro L. Purisima.
The event marked a critical step towards addressing long-standing issues of conflict and underdevelopment in the province. Through this initiative, OPAPRU worked closely with local government units and community stakeholders to implement comprehensive peace-building strategies that not only address the root causes of conflict but also promote social cohesion and economic growth.
Usec. Purisima, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving lasting peace saying, “Napakalaki ang naging contribution ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Surigao del Sur sa ilalim ng pamumuno ng ating Gov. Alexander T. Pimentel sa pagtatag ng Peace and Development Center na ito. Simula pa lang ng una naming ipaliwanag ang konsepto sa ating mahal na gobernador ay agad niyang pinahayag sa atin ang kanyang buong pusong pagsuporta sa proyekto.”
He highlighted the local community's role in driving the program's success, urging everyone to participate in the peacebuilding process actively.
“Gusto naming magpasalamat sa pagtanggap ninyo sa amin dito sa ating probinsya, isang malaking karangalan na maging bahagi ng makasaysayang okasyon na ito. Tunay na napakahalaga ang araw na ito para sa ating lahat. Tayo po ay nandirito ngayon upang sama-samang ilunsad ang “Hamugaway,” ang Peace and Development Center dito sa Surigao del Sur bilang one stop-shop para mapabilis ang proseso sa reintegration to society ng ating mga former rebels,” Purisima added.
“Ang Peace and Development Center na ito ay hindi lamang simbolo ng ordinaryong pasilidad, higit sa lahat ito ay simbolo ng ating iisang adhikain ang siulong ang tunay na pangmatagalang kapayapaan dito sa probinsya,” he noted.
As the program moves forward, OPAPRU and its partners will continue to engage with local communities, listen to their needs, and work together to create an environment where peace and prosperity can flourish. The launch in the province is just the beginning of a broader effort to bring lasting peace and development to the entire Surigao del Sur.
The provincial government led by Gov. Pimentel expressed full support on the program on peace and development, underscoring the significance of collaboration between national and local governments in pursuing peace and development goals. The governor reiterated the commitment of the provincial leadership to ensuring the success of the program and its long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, the Hamugaway Peace and Development Center would be a fitting name for a facility dedicated to fostering peace and development in the province. The term “hamugaway,” which means comfortable or convenient in Cebuano, conveys a sense of ease and well-being. This aligns perfectly with the center’s mission to create a peaceful and supportive environment for the former rebels' so-called “friends rescued” (FR) who laid down their firearms back to the folds of the government. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
