(The Provincial Government of Northern Samar)
TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar has recorded gains in its peace and security efforts, with 19 of its municipalities now classified under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), provincial officials said during the culmination of Peace Month on Sept. 25.
The figure, recorded in the third quarter of 2026, is more than twice the eight municipalities classified under SIPSC in 2024.
Gov. Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan said the progress should be measured not only by the absence of conflict but also by improvements in the lives of Nortehanons.
“These milestones tell us how far Northern Samar has come, and they remind us of our responsibility to protect and sustain the peace we have worked so hard to achieve because ultimately peace must be felt, it must create opportunities and it must translate to development,” Ongchuan said.
The Peace Month culmination carried the theme “One People, One Province, One Peace.”
Ongchuan said peace must go hand in hand with access to basic services, livelihood opportunities and government programs, including assistance for peacebuilders who are rebuilding their lives after returning to their communities.
“Hindi sapat na tahimik ang isang komunidad, kailangan may serbisyong pangkalusugan, may kakayahang makapagsimula muli ang ating mga peace builders, may trabaho at kabuhayan, at may pamahalaang umaabot maging sa pinakamalayong komunidad,” he said.
He said the provincial government is pursuing peace and development initiatives through its “Serbisyong HCO” programs, including Balay Darangpan, Kauswagan Caravan, Local Social Integration Program, Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, Kauswagan Village and Kauswagan Peace and Development Center.
Ongchuan said these programs are intended to help peacebuilders rebuild their lives, become self-sufficient and contribute to their communities.
He thanked the Provincial Task Force ELCAC, Provincial Task Force Balik-Loob, 803rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine National Police, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, local government units, national government agencies, barangay officials and peace advocates for supporting the province’s peace initiatives.
The governor also recognized peacebuilders who have returned to the mainstream community, saying their decision represents a new beginning and that the provincial government remains committed to assisting their reintegration.
“Patuloy na kinikilala ang ating mga pagsisikap, ngunit ang pinakamahalagang sukatan ng tagumpay ay ang mga buhay na nagbago, mas naabot ng serbisyo at oportunidad,” Ongchuan said.
He said the province should work toward a future where communities are known not for conflict but for the opportunities they create and the families they help.
Vice Gov. Clarence Dato, meanwhile, reaffirmed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s support for the province’s continuing peace and development efforts.
The Peace Month culmination highlighted the contribution of government agencies, local communities and other stakeholders in sustaining peace and ensuring that stability translates into better services and livelihood opportunities for Nortehanons.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
