The Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 11 (JRTF-ELCAC 11) bolstered mechanisms in promoting peace in Davao Region through inclusive and sustainable peace-building strategies.
During the 2nd Quarter Meeting on June 27 at the Office of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in Davao City, the discussion was focused on strengthening of child protection mechanisms and the deeper inclusion of Indigenous Peoples (IP) in the region’s peace and development agenda.
MinDA Chair Secretary Leo Tereso Magno underscored these are key priorities aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a just and lasting peace rooted in social justice and inclusive development.
Magno, who is also the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region 11, emphasized the significance of maintaining Davao Region’s insurgency-free status, which is a milestone that he described as both an achievement and a continuing responsibility under the Marcos administration’s banner of unity and nation-building.
“Peace is not achieved by security alone, but through inclusive development, responsive governance, and community empowerment,” Magno stressed.
In the meeting, the Inter-Agency Committee on Children Involved in Armed Conflict (IAC-CIAC) was created alongside the regional launch of the 4th National Plan of Action for Children, which both focused on shielding youth from the devastating impacts of armed conflict and recruitment.
Magno also extended special recognition to the clusters on Localized Peace Engagement and Amnesty, led by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), for advancing reconciliation at the grassroots.
He also lauded the Reintegration Track, which continues to support former rebels, including child returnees and IP members, through education, livelihood, and psychosocial services.
“Let us work together to ensure that peace is not just preserved, but felt by every community in the region,” Magno said.
Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Agnes Cervantes highlighted diplomatic breakthroughs, notably the Philippines’ recognition in the 2025 United Nations Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict, which is a testament to the country’s strengthened efforts under Marcos’s leadership.
She described the recent Talaingod, Davao del Norte visit as a powerful example of localized peacebuilding that integrates the voice and leadership of IP communities, attracting international recognition and support.
