Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., along with local government officials from this province, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Mt. Data Peace and Development Center in Bauko, Mt. Province.
The P40-million facility, funded by the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, marks a significant investment in the region’s enduring peace and prosperity.
The ceremony on Friday, held in conjunction with the 39th Anniversary of the historic Mt. Data Peace Accord, fulfills a pledge Galvez made in 2024 after seeing the dilapidated state of the Mt. Data Barangay Hall during a presidential outreach event.
“Today is more than just a groundbreaking. The structure that will soon rise on these grounds will symbolize our shared and unwavering commitment to bringing lasting peace, unity, and inclusiveness here in Mountain Province,” Galvez declared in his address.
The Peace and Development Center will serve as a hub for essential services and economic development. The project is designed to create tangible opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents.
“This peace center is not just a facility. It is a symbol of the powerful unity between the government and the communities here in Mountain Province,” Galvz said.
Bauko Mayor Randolf Awisan expressed his gratitude to OPAPRU for the Peace and Development Center.
“This is a good opportunity for us here in our municipality. We are bringing the government’s programs down to the barangay level. Hence, this peace and development center will play a vital part in aiding our communities, not just socio-economic, but most importantly, to sustain the peace we are enjoying here,” he said.
For his part, Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan described the center as a legacy of peace.
“We are not just starting a construction project but a peace legacy. As we commemorate the 39th year of SIPAT, we honor the legacy of peace and unity of the Mt. Data Peace Accord through peace adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. We are glad that the national government supports the peace and development center here in Mt. Data,” he said.
