On September 11, 2023, the Office of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Eastern Mindanao, in collaboration with Davao City local government through Peace 911 and other provincial governments in Davao Region- Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental, inaugurated the Peace Village Exhibit held at the Annex Building, SM Ecoland, Davao City.

Peace Village Exhibit is part of the month-long celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month with the theme: “Kapayapaan: Responsibilidad sa Bawat Mamamayan”. This event is a dynamic experience that seeks to inspire reflection and action on issues related to peace, conflict resolution, and global cooperation. It was conceptualized as a response to the pressing need for fostering peace in a world grappling with various forms of conflict and tension and to highlight the region’s progress towards achieving peace, ultimately resulting in the declaration of insurgency-free region.

The event commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte- Philippine Vice President, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno- Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao, Atty. Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña- OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao Director, Colonel Marion Angcao- Commander of 1003^rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade, Hon. Edwin Jubahib- Governor of Davao del Norte, Engr. Rodger Velasco- Chief Operating Officer of Davao Light and Power Company, Engr. Jonathan Nick Santos- SM Assistant Vice-President for Operations, Sec. Renato Pedro Villa- Assistant Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Hon. Marissa Abella, Second District Councilor.

Hon. Marrisa Abella, the representative of Hon. Sebastian Z. Duterte read the welcoming message of the Davao City Mayor and the Chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council-Davao Region.

“We have come a long way in our goal of achieving sustainable peace and development in the region. It has been a year since Davao Region has been declared insurgency free and have continued to be so until the present. To the collaborative efforts of our local government, private partners and all agencies of the government involved who have sustained our campaign and today we are proud to showcase those achievements. May this exhibit further encourage all of us to continue working in achieving sustainable and lasting peace and educate people on how they can contribute to fostering safe and peaceful community. Congrats everyone to a job well done”.

Meanwhile, Vice President of the Philippines, Hon. Sara Z. Duterte also gave her message and support to this event.

“To officially open the Peace Village where we showcase the gains of our peacebuilding efforts in the Davao Region, the peace village grand opening is the special moment in Davao’s quest for enduring peace and prosperity. This exhibit celebrates the Insurgency Free status of Davao Region. For Davao City, the successful end of our anti-insurgency campaign through the impact of Peace 911.”

Hon. Duterte in her message called upon everyone to foster a sense of support and collaboration, bringing people together to work towards common goals.

The Vice President of the Philippines personally hopes and prays that the Philippines will soon witness the end of insurgency across the country.

“Mga kababayan, patuloy tayo maging matatag para sa isang bansang makabata at mga batang makabansa. Lahat ng ating ginagawa ay para sa diyos, sa bayan at sa pamilyang Pilipino”.

The exhibitors from the different regions showcased various aspects related to peace that will serve as a medium for expressing awareness, promote understanding and inspire communities to actively engage in peacebuilding initiatives.

In a world still marked by conflicts and divisions, the Peace Exhibit offers a ray of hope and a vision of a more peaceful and harmonious future. The Peace Village Exhibit is scheduled to run from September 11, 2023 to September 13, 2023.