To continue the peace and unity of the communities in Paquibato District, Peacebuilders were created as a complementary approach designed to stop the exploitation of the community and prevent the terrorist groups from re-infiltrating and recovering the cleared areas and eventually establish a peaceful environment conducive to development and generate conflict resilient communities. 

The Peacebuilders were initiated together with the City Mayor’s Office-Peace 911 and the 27th Infantry Battalion, Armed Forces of the Philippines and started its operation last October 2021. The “Peacebuilders” are city-paid, un-armed peace advocates, specifically selected individuals in sitios tasked to prevent the re-entry of the terrorist groups. They also serve as an advocate of the government programs and services.

In order to fully carry out their tasks and responsibilities to the community, they were provided 15 units of XR150 motorcycles which are beneficial to the 119 Peacebuilders deployed in the 13 barangays of Paquibato District.

On September 16, 2022, the blessing and turnover ceremony of the above-mentioned motorcycles was commemorated at Barangay New Malaga, Dalisay, Panabo City. The event was attended by Peace 911 Focal Person- Atty. Jonah Margarette Presto, Major Rudini Bugador and Lieutenant Adolf Buendia of the 27th Infantry Battalion, Sergeant Edwin Tan of the 56th Infantry Battalion and Sergeant Robert Eterno of the 89th Infantry Battalion. 

In his opening message, Major Rudini Bugador shared awareness on how to properly utilize their motorcycles. He explained about BLOWBAGETS- Brake, Light, Oil, Water, Battery, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire and Self to the Peacebuilders and guided them about the dos and don’ts about driving. 

Meanwhile, Atty. Jonah Margarette Presto also gave her heartwarming message to the Peacebuilders. “Kaning among gihatag sa inyoha, gamiton nato ni sabay sa atong pagpaningkamot na naay kalinaw sa Paquibato, so samtang naa pa ko dria sa Peace 911, akong e garantiya sa inyoha na naa jud ang gobyerno para sa inyoha”, Atty. Presto said. She also mentioned in her interview that the Peacebuilders were given the trust of the City Government of Davao and Armed Forces of the Philippines and that they should be responsible and should take care of the motorcycles as if it’s their personal belonging.

The Peacebuilders were very grateful for the motorcycles that were provided by the City Government of Davao and ensures that such vehicles will be used as tool to promote and sustain peace in the community of Paquibato District.