The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office IX conducted the Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development (CUCPD) program that tackled the “fundamental reasons behind insurgency and armed conflicts in the region.
Through a comprehensive and inclusive strategy, the DILG noted that the CUCPD initiative is in line with the government’s dedication to attain peace that is both inclusive and sustainable, as specified in Executive Order (EO) No. 70, which was proclaimed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018.
The DILG recognized that the challenges of insurgency and armed conflicts extend beyond military considerations, prompting the government to emphasize the integration of basic services and social welfare packages as a priority.
“This approach reflects an understanding that such issues are indicative of wider social, economic, and historical issues, the DILG said.
The DILG explained that the CUCPD initiative employs a sector-specific methodology to pinpoint the pressing requirements of marginalized segments within society.
Concentrating on issues such as underdevelopment, inequality, injustice, and oppression within economic, political, and societal frameworks, the DILG added that the program seeks to tackle the root causes that render specific sectors more prone to the influence of factions that promote armed conflicts.
Furthermore, the CUCPD initiative promotes the transformation of local chief executives (LCEs) and LGU functionaries into transformative leaders.
“This involves redefining the local governance framework to better address the specific needs of the community, including considerations of local, social, cultural, institutional, and economic factors. The ultimate aim is to foster the active engagement of diverse sectors in society, contributing to the ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity,’’ the DILG added.
The DILG Regional Office IX has taken a “proactive stance’’ in facilitating and backing the implementation of the CUCPD program, emphasizing its dedication to fostering peace and development at the community level. By actively collaborating with and involving local communities, the Department seeks to make a substantial contribution to the broader objective of attaining enduring peace and prosperity in the region.