Peace council in Agusan Norte pays tribute to IP children of Sitio Zapanta
By Nora C. Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY – The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) of Agusan del Norte, headed by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, celebrated Indigenous Peoples Children’s Day at Sitio Zapanta Valley in Barangay Bangayan, Cabadbaran City, in the province of Agusan del Norte.
Sitio Zapanta is the home of the Mamanwa and Manobo indigenous peoples (IPs), where more than 500 children and their families enjoyed the whole day celebration. PTF-ELCAC chose this place as the venue of this year’s tribute to the IP children, who are now enjoying sustainable peace and countryside development, as the place was once a warzone.
The activity gave opportunities for the IP community members to receive free government services such as medical consultation, circumcision, and the distribution of essential food packs.
As a tribute to the IP children, the outreach efforts went beyond the basics, as these children enjoyed the mascot presentations featuring Jollibee and General Amante of the Philippine National Police (PNP), as well as the enchanting serenades and magical games performed by the troops of the 4th CMO “Kasaligan” Battalion (4CMOBn) of the Philippine Army.
During the occasion, Governor Amante emphasized the seriousness of the government’s commitment to address the community’s needs, which include peace and development.
“Nakita man gyud ninyo karun kung unsa ka seryoso ang atong gobyerno para tubagon ang tanang nakita natong matubag dayun nga paningahanlan sa inyong sitio. Kung ang tao mo balibad wala silay mabuhat, so ang gakawasan og ang susi sa ato gyung malahutayon nga gitawag natong kalinaw wala sa gobyerno naa sa tagsa-tagsa ninyong mga kamot kay kung dili mo mosugot dili mo nila mapugos (You have seen how our government seriously addresses all the necessities in your area. If people will resist the offer of peace, there is no option. Thus, the key to lasting peace lies not only in the government but each one of you who makes up this community should also contribute and choose peace),” the governor added.
Further, Amante underscored the power of collaboration and collective efforts that brought a successful visit and celebration in the IP community, stating, “This collaborative effort served as a beacon of hope as various stakeholders unite and come together with a shared vision for community well-being.”
Bea, a 10-year-old daughter of Datu Lando Anlagan, the IP Mandatory Representative of Barangay Bangayan, expressed her gratitude to the government for visiting them and letting them experience that IP children are important too in the community.
“Mapasalamaton ug nalipay mi kay ni anhi mo, pasalamat pud mi kay Governor ug sa tanan bisita kay nag-anhi mo para matabangan mi (We are grateful and happy that you came here, and we thank the Governor and her team for helping us),” Bea said.
“Once known as a guerilla base for communist terrorist groups (CTGs), Sitio Zapanta Valley underwent a remarkable transformation. This is another success story that peace can be achieved, and efforts from stakeholders should not cease to sustain it because IP children deserve to grow and live in peace,” said LtCol. Cresencio C. Gargar, commanding officer of the Army’s 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion.
According to 29IB Civil Military Operations Officer 1Lt. Jade Bryce G. Buñe, the event, hosted by the Provincial Social Welfare Department of Agusan del Norte, in partnership with the local government unit of Kitcharao and the provincial government, along with the barangay LGU of Bangayan, was not just a celebration but a demonstration of commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the indigenous peoples in the area and a platform for providing invaluable services to the community. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
