To promote community safety and foster peace, the City Government of San Fernando, La Union hosted its first Local Peace and Order Summit in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)—La Union Provincial Office, through the initiative of the City Legal Office in partnership with the Local Youth Development Office and the Office for Public Safety, in La Union Convention Center this November.

The summit gathered around 300 attendees who were representatives from regional, provincial, and local government agencies, including Punong Barangays, VAWC Desk officers, Chief Tanods, Civil Society Organizations, youth leaders, and student journalists. Esteemed representatives from the military and civil organizations were also in attendance, showcasing a united front in the city’s pursuit of peace and order.

Mayor Dong Gualberto opened the summit with a message emphasizing the intimate relationship between peace and community development. “True progress can only thrive in an environment of peace,” he said. His remarks underscored the importance of collective participation in ensuring a safe and harmonious community for future generations.

Meanwhile, Ms. Rhodora G. Soriano, representing the DILG Region 1, commended the city for its commitment to addressing underlying societal issues contributing to unrest. She pointed out that the summit aligns with the Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development (CUCPD) Program, which seeks to tackle multiple dimensions of conflict and foster resilience within communities.

To highlight the summit’s objectives, City Legal Officer Atty. Maria Nadia V. Gonzales-Pilar posed critical questions: Are we prepared? Are we secure? “The aim is to enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies and focus on initiatives that prioritize the safety and rights of our residents and visitors,” she noted.

In addition, resource speakers from various law enforcement bodies showcased crucial updates, initiatives, and strategies for tackling various issues, including public safety, crime prevention, and youth engagement. Discussions highlighted pressing concerns such as threats from communist terrorist groups, maritime security, coastal protection, and human rights advocacy. The invited resource speakers were the following:

• PLTCOL Oliver Tristan Nara (City PNP)

• PLTCOL Jake J. Isidro, (POMU-LUPPO)

• ARD Mae Olayta (NICA)

• Mr. Jayson Ordinario (DILG-PO)

• Agent Kathy Dean Pineda (PDEA)

• PEMS Hancy B. Yadao, SESPO (LU MARPSTA)

• Pros. Alexander M. Andres (OCP)

• Mr. Danilo Balino (CHR)

• Atty. Rizal Thaddeus Acas (NAC)

Another highlight of the summit was the signing of the Pledge of Commitment, a symbolic gesture uniting all stakeholders to support the summit’s objectives.  In closing, Mr. Jerome G. Acupan, PhD, the Local Youth Development Officer, reminded the audience of the importance of collective effort in nurturing a society grounded in peace and order.

You, too, can contribute, kabsat!

Achieving peace and order in our beloved #PeoplesCity of #SanFernandoTayo starts with each of us. Let’s embrace the laws and regulations that guide us toward a brighter, safer future.