The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has conducted a program that will equip local government units (LGUs) in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) with valuable tools against violent extremism. Taking the lead in the “2023 Roll-Out Training on the Localized National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP PCVE) module”, the DILG Region IX Office explained that the objective of the session was to familiarize concerned LGUs with the NAP PCVE with emphasis in “legal mandate and promoting a proactive approach to address the increasing threat of violent extremism.’’ The DILG noted that PCVE represents a holistic approach that focuses on tackling the underlying causes and patterns of violent extremism with the main goal is to prevent the emergence of violent extremism and effectively combat its propagation. It added that the PCVE strategies encompass various actions such as engaging communities, providing education, facilitating deradicalization and fostering social unity, building resilience, and empowering communities to actively oppose and reject violent extremist ideologies and behaviors. The initial phase of the training involved the active participation of 20 barangays from Sindangan and Salug towns in Zamboanga del Norte where three representatives from each barangay totalling 120 participants joined the program. The training expanded its scope to encompass Zamboanga City and Isabela City where officials from 12 barangays in Zamboanga City and eight barangays from Isabela City participated. During the session, resource persons Local Government Operations Officers (LGOOs) Mae Ann C. Tuden and Peter Paul Silorio contributed to the ‘comprehensive and diverse learning experience for the participants.’ With 360 participants from various barangays, the DILG stated that the training program effectively provided local officials with the essential knowledge and resources needed to tackle the increasing risk of violent extremism in their communities. By promoting a cooperative and forward-thinking strategy, the DILG targets to empower the LGUs to effectively prevent and counter violent extremism, “ultimately ensuring the safety and security of the region and its inhabitants.”