News Release

OPAPP to pilot the province of Sorsogon on PAMANA implementation

By: Irma A. Guhit

Sorsogon City, (PIA) - Speaking infront of the local chief executives of the 14 municipalities and one city, the very positive participation of the attendees to the one-day Sorsogon Consultation and Planning on PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) held here just recently at Fernando’s Hotel, triggered USec Luisito G. Montalbo of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace process (OPAPP) to forge a commitment to pilot the province of Sorsogon in the implementation of the PAMANA Framework and Operational Guidelines, that of Building Resilient Communities and spearheading to achieve a culture of peace.

A total of almost fifty (50) participants comprising of local chief executives, the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, selected national line agency provincial heads comprising of DENR, PIA, DILG ; provincial and municipal planning officers and identified non-government organization development partners underwent a Conflict Analysis Workshop, using the PAMANA Framework  Guideline in identifying the root causes of armed conflict or insurgency in the province of Sorsogon and finally  strategizing conflict resolution mechanisms.

The consultation and planning activity collated inputs and insights that provided the OPAPP a working knowledge of the peculiar situation of the province of Sorsogon vis-à-vis the insurgency situation.

The attendees were enjoined to suggest strategies, programs, projects and activities that will signify the “olive leaf offering” and using the PAMANA Framework Guideline in addressing armed conflict.

USec Florencia “Oyen” Dorotan of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) has inputted a very clear situational analysis of the province, she being a resident of the local government of Irosin and the experiences gleaned from her husband’s administration being a municipal mayor of Irosin  for three terms , Dr. Eddie Dorotan.   

“I believe the P-Noy administration is very sensitive and sincere in opening up avenues to negotiation and continuous peace talks to attain peace. My experience as one development partner here has given me a very clear perspective that giving the right programs and projects can address peace situation in our province “, Dorotan said.

Executive Director of the Sorsogon Provincial Management Office (SPMO) and former governor Sally A. Lee expressed high hopes in the intervention presented by OPAPP and believes that insurgency can still be remedied if all stakeholders will join hands.

“Let us extend the most humane way to address this problem. On the other hand, we would like to call those on the other side of the government to also give peace a chance. After all, we are all Filipinos. And as the saying goes, it takes two to tango,” she said.

USec Montalbo will inform the provincial government and local chief executives on the next plan that of laying the ground work on what will be the next steps to pilot PAMANA implementation in the province of Sorsogon. (PIA Sorsogon)