The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) in partnership with the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region 11 and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, announced the forthcoming rollout of a Healing and Reconciliation Roadmap for Indigenous Peoples (IP) families in Davao del Norte.
The initiative, which will initially cover the conflict-affected municipalities of Talaingod and Kapalong, seeks to strengthen peacebuilding efforts and promote social healing among affected communities.
OPAPRU Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., speaking at the recently concluded Mindanao Development Forum 2025, highlighted the significance of convergence programs in rebuilding conflict-affected areas through interventions in infrastructure, livelihood, education, health, and social services.
“Central to this approach is the empowerment of conflict-affected and Indigenous communities,” Galvez said.
Galvez underscored that inclusive development is also key to lasting peace.
During the 3rd Quarter Full Council Meeting of the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) Region 11, Magno described the roadmap as a key element of the government’s transformation program for the Davao Region, bridging healing with sustainable peacebuilding.
“This gathering serves as an important platform to keep track of our collective efforts across clusters and to monitor the continuing implementation of transformation program plans in the provinces of the Davao Region,” Magno said.
Magno also emphasized that the proposed extension of the transformation program until 2028 would help consolidate peace gains, promote the reintegration of former rebels, and sustain reconciliation efforts within communities.
“It is through this regular engagement that we ensure our initiatives remain aligned, responsive, and geared toward the long-term goals of peace, security, and development,” he added.
Oliver Binancilan, OPAPRU Area Management Office Head, stressed the roadmap, endorsed at the JRTF meeting, reflects the government’s resolve to heal communities and close the gaps that once fueled insurgency. With MinDA backing and OPAPRU’s commitment, the path toward reconciliation, peace, and security is now clearer and more attainable.
Meanwhile, Atty. Elisa D. Evangelista-Lapiña, OPAPRU Director for Local Conflict Transformation–Field Implementation Support Unit for Mindanao, emphasized the need for inter-agency collaboration to ensure effective delivery of interventions.
She noted that the roadmap’s components were formulated through consultations with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region 11 (NCIP 11) and local government units in Davao del Norte.
The Healing and Reconciliation Roadmap will provide psychosocial support, reconciliation rituals, livelihood and financial assistance for affected IP families.
It also aims to heal trauma, strengthen community ties, and prevent conflict recurrence by addressing the root causes of division and vulnerability.
Magno also said that the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to sustain peace and development in Mindanao and maintain Davao Region’s insurgency-free status.
Marcos declared Davao Region insurgency-free on October 27, 2022, and reintroduced the area as a tourism and investment-ready destination
“The President has underscored that healing and reconciliation must translate into sustainable livelihoods, protection of ancestral domains, and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples—core priorities of his “Bagong Pilipinas” vision for inclusive and lasting peace,” he said.
Magno added that under the National Peace and Development Agenda, the roadmap will follow a three-phase implementation: preparatory activities, reconciliation sessions, and delivery of assistance and livelihood programs to ensure peace dividends reach communities directly.
He also said that as agreed during the JRTF-ELCAC meeting, each province will prepare a localized Peace and Reconciliation Plan, to be presented at the next regional council meeting on December 18, 2025.
