NORTH COTABATO – The provincial government has responded to the civil registry concerns of the residents at the peace zone who struggled in securing birth certificates and marriage licenses.
On Saturday, February 26, Governor Nancy Catamco, the chairperson of the provincial task force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) distributed the much awaited document—their birth certificates and the marriage licenses.
Catamco distributed the civil registry documents to the residents Barangay Banayal and Barangay Nabundasan.
The two villages considered as peace zone were used to be part of the no man’s land in the early 70’s.
The provincial government and the 39th Infantry Battalion of the military helped the residents secure their legal documents from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
For decades, many residents failed to secure legal documents due to geographical and financial challenges.
Reports have it, many were deceived and became members of some left-leaning organizations without their knowledge as the group used their personal details and identity to secure funds from foreign donors.
When the soldiers from 39Th IB Community Support Program found it out, they coordinated with the provincial government for the release of their birth and marriage contracts and avail their legal documents.
Aside from distribution of birth and marriage certificates in Barangay Nabundasan, a turnover observance has been organized to pave the way on the opening and usage of the provided potable water system in order to give the citizens comfortable and accessible water supply for their daily needs.
The projects are part of the developmental and socio-economic project being undertaken in the formerly Communist Terrorist Group controlled “Peace Zone”.
It can be recalled that the 30-year old Peace Zone declaration was amended this year through a community assembly changing the tenor into an Executive Order 70 or Whole of Nation Approach based peace building declaration.
In her speech, Catamco emphasized that the government will intervene in providing the social and economic needs of the residents and empower them through community projects which she vowed to release.
“With this provision, our communities and citizens can obviously enjoy the peace and development initiatives of our government. I am hoping that we will always be working hand-in-hand to make these projects and programs holistic and thriving.” Catamco said
She said, she is aware that the villages of Banayal and Nabundasan in Tulunan, North Cotabato are considered conflict-affected areas “People from these communities suffered from exploitation, fear, and conflict-related activities, but because of the government intervention brought upon by the NTF-ELCAC, the barangays have been recipient of numerous services and development programs paving its way for lasting peace.” Catamco added.
