‘… no peace, no development; no development, no peace’ - Kalinga Gov. James Edduba on importance of peace efforts in progress

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Kalinga Governor James Edduba reaffirmed his commitment to providing iKalingas a peaceful environment and development initiatives in the province, emphasizing that "If there is no peace, there is no development; if there is no development, there is no peace."

Kalinga is one of the provinces with challenging community set-up with over forty tribes, added to that the terrain and topography where traces of communist activities still exist. 

The governor made the statement during his talk with the officials of the OPAPRU (Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity), who visited his office recently.

The purpose of the visit was to orient the PLGU on the process flow of the agency’s PAMANA-OPAPRU-funded projects, as well as to discuss other ‘critical infrastructure’ projects in the province, according to the Kalinga Information Office.

During the meeting, Edduba said he aims to further ‘promote harmony, cultural preservation, and economic progress.’ As part of his vision, he has requested the OPAPRU to establish a Peace Operations Center or a Tribal Hall, alongside additional inter-connectivity projects in Kalinga.

The hall will serve as a venue for peace-building efforts, cultural activities, and governance matters involving Kalinga’s indigenous communities.

“ Kasupulan mi talga iti Peace Operations Center/Tribal Hall ittuy Kalinga, it will be an avenue for peace programs and pag-aamungan nu ada dagitoy kasapulan nga maresolve within the Bodong and NTF-ELCAC. Also, in support of peace and orderly programs, dagitoy end roads iti makita mi nga pagrugyan ti insurgency.  Isu pag-scount-an iti NPA,” the governor stated as quoted by the Kalinga PIO.

Recognizing the significance of the projects, the officials of the OPAPRU assured their support for the governor’s proposal.

Led by OPAPRU Advisers Ret. Gen. Bismarck Soliba and Hon. Tomas Killip, the agency also informed the governor that the funding for the 104 Bantay Gubat program was approved.

To be implemented by the provincial Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the 104 Bantay Gubat aims to enhance peace and order while strengthening environmental protection efforts in the province.