Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay , Feb. 23 (PIA) – The last weeks of October 2011, were among the darkest for the residents of Alicia, Kabasalan and Payao towns in this province. The bloody clashes that happened resulted not only to casualties among combatants, but also the displacement of thousands from their homes to places of safety, away from bombings and gunfights.
Now, four months after the horrifying tragedy, 11,593 Sibugaynons left shaken from the ordeal of violent conflict, are slowly picking up the pieces of their lives; hopeful, like the rest of the country, that their young province would have a chance at peace and development.
Aiding them in their dreams for a new beginning are government projects that will pave way for better roads, more income sources, and an improved water system.
Through the national government’s PAMANA or Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) program, the people of Zamboanga Sibugay will benefit from the implementation of projects, such as road rehabilitation, construction of water system, and seaweed production.
The current administration’s program and framework for peace and development, PAMANA seeks to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities affected by conflict, as well as areas covered by existing peace agreements.
PAMANA projects in this province will be launched on February 24, in time for the “11th Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay.” Attending the event from the office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) are Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo and PAMANA-Mindanao Director Enrico dela Torre. The event will likewise be graced by Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos, as well as municipal mayors and barangay captains from this province.
The inauguration will begin in Tungawan where a ribbon cutting of projects for three barangays will be led by the officials.
This will be followed by a launching at the provincial capitol of additional PAMANA projects worth P30-million, and the Department of Health (DOH) and DILG’s “Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa lahat” program with financial aid amounting to P40-million.
PAMANA hopes it will become a vestige of hope for the Sibugaynons. A reminder that tragedy and grisly conflicts may have troubled their towns in the past, but living without fear and leading a prosperous life is not an impossibility. (OPAPP/PIA9/CAL)