Kalinaw Davao de Oro Marks Second Anniversary Through Leaders’ Congress

PANTUKAN, Davao de Oro — Leaders of KALINAW Davao de Oro Community Development Workers Association gathered in Kingking, Pantukan on September 29 for a provincial leaders’ congress marking the organization’s second founding anniversary and highlighting its continuing work on unity, organizational development and peacebuilding.

Held under the theme “Duha ka tuig sa Pagbarog, Paglambo ug Pagpadayon,” (Two Years of Resilience, Growth and Moving Forward) the gathering brought together leaders and representatives from different municipalities of Davao de Oro for discussions on the organization’s accomplishments, leadership and continuing activities. It also coincided with the culmination of National Peace Consciousness Month, themed “Kapayapaan Pagtibayin, Kaunlaran Paigtingin.”

In his welcome message, Kalinaw Davao de Oro president Dino Kairo C. Bazar said the organization began with a vision of building a community where families, young people and parents would have support and hope.

“Kining atong organisasyon, gisugdan nato sa usa ka gamay nga damgo. Damgo nga unta, ang matag pamilya sa Kalinaw, walay mabiyaan. Nga ang matag kabatan-onan, adunay paglaum. Nga ang matag ginikanan, adunay kaisog nga moatubang sa ugma tungod kay kabalo siya nga naa siya’y kauban,” Bazar said.

(We started this organization with a small dream, a dream that no Kalinaw family would be left behind, that every youth would have hope, and that every parent would have the courage to face tomorrow knowing they have someone beside them.)

The program included an orientation on Kalinaw Davao de Oro and a presentation of the organization’s accomplishments over the past two years. Provincial and local partners also delivered messages on peace, security and community development.

Among the discussions was a session on the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Monitoring Tool, followed by a leadership session led by Ricky Gultiano of the Paloc Coffee Farmers Association. Participants also took part in a values formation session focused on strengthening personal and organizational values.

The gathering ended with fellowship and presentations from representatives of different municipalities, giving participants an opportunity to share their experiences and strengthen connections with other leaders across the province.

For Kalinaw Davao de Oro, the congress provided a venue to look back on its two years of work while discussing how its leaders can continue building the organization and supporting peace efforts in their respective communities.

The anniversary gathering came as Davao de Oro joined the culmination of Peace Month, giving the organization an opportunity to reflect on its growth and the work ahead in sustaining unity, development and peace at the community level.

Kalinaw Davao de Oro is a socio-civic organization that brings together former rebels and peace advocates in advancing community development, peacebuilding and the interests of its members in the province of Davao de Oro.