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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Southern Luzon's enhanced peace and security: Catalyst for unprecedented development

Southern Luzon's enhanced peace and security: Catalyst for unprecedented development

GUEST COLUMNIST

Published Sep 3, 2023 09:07 pm

BARRACKS AND STRATEGY

GENERAL BALADAD.jpg

By Lt. Gen. AURELIO B. BALADAD (Ret)

 

Nestled within the country’s scenic beauty, Southern Luzon has long held the promise of prosperity. Yet, it is the region's recent embrace of peace and security that has truly set the stage for development. As the region charters a course of stability, it concurrently paves the way for investments, tourism, and a flourishing economy. Southern Luzon's narrative aptly demonstrates how peace can be the cornerstone for holistic progress.


Southern Luzon's history has been marred by insurgency and conflict. However, the past decade has borne witness to concerted efforts by the AFP’s Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) currently led by LtGen Efren Baluyot PA, local communities, government bodies, and security forces to address these root causes and establish lasting peace. The marked improvement in peace can be largely attributed to the strategic deployment of enhanced security measures that created an environment conducive to business and community growth. 


A cornerstone of Southern Luzon's transition lies in the full operationalization of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF ELCAC) in the region down to the barangay level. The TF ELCAC revolves around good governance where the governors, mayors, and barangay chairpersons are given the role of main actors and cognizant government departments/agencies including the security sector, provide guidance and support from the national down to the barangay level. The operationalization of the “Whole of government” and “Whole of nation” approaches across various levels – from barangay to city/municipality, province, and region, significantly contributed to peace and progress in SOLCOM’s focus areas. Understanding that development necessitates collective participation, stakeholders have united to foster peace and security. Programs like livelihood projects, skills training, and education initiatives have empowered individuals and catalyzed the region's overall progress. The synergy has been instrumental in countering the Communist Terrorist Group's (CTG) mass base machinery, enhancing intelligence sharing, and bolstering more targeted operations. 


The CTG’s grip on the region has significantly weakened, with their numbers dwindling from 654 members in 2012 to 331 in 2022. Moreover, CTG's firearms stockpile has dropped by 45 percent during the same period. Successful focused military operations led to the decline in CTG-affected barangays, from 344 in 2012 to 29 in 2022 and the dismantling of four out of seven guerrilla fronts in 2022, with the remaining fronts declared weakened and slated for dismantling in 2023. A decline in NPA-initiated violent incidents (NIVIs) showcases the efficacy of government operations and intelligence efforts. NIVIs, which numbered 88 in 2012, surged to 95 in 2015 but plummeted to just 11 in 2022. Through comprehensive peace-building initiatives, constructive dialogues, and disarmament programs, the region has successfully charted a course away from violence, thus paving the path for a secure future.


As per PSA, Southern Luzon's economic transformation is evident, notably in Region IV-A (Calabarzon) where the Gross Regional Domestic Product surged from ₱1.72 trillion to ₱3.14 trillion between 2012 and 2022, with an 82.4 percent growth rate. Similarly, Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) saw its GRDP rise from ₱231.3 billion to ₱453.0 billion, a 95.8 percent growth, and Region V (Bicol) experienced a GRDP increase from ₱298.2 billion to ₱645.8 billion, marking a 116.5 percent growth.


Southern Luzon's newfound peace and security have rendered it an alluring destination for tourists, both domestic and international. Its natural marvels – from pristine beaches to majestic mountains – have propelled the region into a thriving tourist haven. Southern Luzon, for instance, saw a rise in tourism, with 11.6 million visitors, or an increase of 94.69 percent from 2012 to 2022. This tourism boom has not only created jobs but also generated revenue for local communities, thereby elevating their quality of life.


In anticipation of sustained development, infrastructure projects were undertaken to enhance connectivity within and beyond the region. The SLEX TR4 and CALAX projects are expected to reduce travel times, decongest roads, and bolster economic activity. Moreover, improved port facilities and access roads in MIMAROPA have facilitated inter-island transport, enhancing the region's trade and connectivity.


Southern Luzon's transformation from turmoil to peace underscores collective efforts, effective governance, and community engagement. Sustaining peace demands ongoing vigilance, inclusivity, and root cause resolution. A beacon of hope, this success story links peace and progress, inspiring regions nationwide and affirming peace's role as a catalyst for comprehensive prosperity.


In the words of LtGen Baluyot during SOLCOM’s anniversary, "Reaching this point in the history of our Command also emphasizes the dynamic and sustained partnerships that we have established... These partnerships have resulted not only in the improvement of peace and security but also provided our people access to better social and economic conditions." Southern Luzon's transformation underscores a truth that transcends boundaries: Where peace thrives, development flourishes. As the region continues to write its success story, it leaves an indelible mark on the annals of progress – a testimony to the transformative potential of peace and security.

(Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret) served as the 8th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, the 32nd commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, and the former deputy chief of staff for Operations, J3 of the AFP. He is a graduate of Master in Development Management (with Dist) of AIM. He is now the VP for cooperative planning and marketing of PAFCPIC, a cooperative serving the active and retired AFP personnel.)

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BARRACKS AND STRATEGY Lt. Gen. AURELIO B. BALADAD (Ret)
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