PANTUKAN, Davao de Oro - The importance of reaching out to the youth who was profoundly affected by insurgency is what the previous event, the "Kalinaw Talks," aimed to support after its success in the online world. With this initiative, the "Community Peace Symposium (CPS)" would be carried out in conflict-affected areas of Davao de Oro where there is no to low access to the internet connection. Last November 27-28, 2021, Youth for Peace Movement Davao de Oro kickstart the rollout of CPS over the 11 Municipalities in Davao de Oro starting with Pantukan. The Youth for Peace Movement (YFPM) Pantukan Chapter led the conduct of the Community Peace Symposium in the Brgy. Napnapan with a total of more than 50 youth participants. Immediately followed the next day in Brgy. Araibo of which participants came from Brgy. Tagugpo, Araibo, and Las Arenas knew as Brgy. TALA with 30 youth participants, 10 in each barangay. Three topics were discussed during the Symposium- the Peace Situation of the Area, Experience of a Former Rebel, and PLGU DdO's Intervention to Peace. Along with the discussion, some youth participants opened up and shared that their families were once part of the Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) or have been in a situation where insurgency or arm struggles were part of their normal lives. Through the following lectures and forums, several youths have spoken upon their experiences and understandings of insurgency and how it has dramatically terminated and changed the system of their daily lives by the initiatives of the Davao de Oro PLGU, the AFP, and the individual share of support from the families in their Barangays. Moreover, the youth actively participated in several activities as they did roleplays and exercises during the event. With a manifesto claiming how each youth is going to be part of the Peace advocacy in the province. The event was held in a healthy and secure setting for the youth—using safety protocols, social distancing, and facemasks. The event's facilitators and speakers were also fully vaccinated. The success of the leading event of the YFPM was supported and contributed by the guidance of the Davao de Oro PLGU and PSWDO headed by Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) led by Hon. Charlemagne Bautista, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)- 10th Infantry Division, 1001st Infantry Brigade, 701st Infantry Brigade, and 66th Infantry Battalion Charlie Company, for the usual relentless subsistence to the organization, and the volunteers who took the opportunity to act upon the goal of the organization to empower the youth and advocate Peace and Development in Davao de Oro. As the event ended, Ms. Bernadette M. Festin, the YFPMDdO President reminded each and single one the participants about the significance of their role in attaining Peace, "Ikaw ang hinungdan ug ikaw ang sinugdanan. Ang giya sa kalambuan naara sa imohang kaugalingong paglantaw sa Kalinaw." Beginnings are always the hardest part but it has been a great start. Kalinaw Talks is going to roam the Province of Davao de Oro starting with Pantukan. Watch out as we come along your Municipalities.
See you there, Peace Sibs!
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