Kalinaw Davao de Oro wraps up November with major milestones in peace and leadership efforts

NABUNTURAN, DAVAO DE ORO-–KALINAW Davao de Oro continues to build a strong foundation of peace and development in the province through three major activities held in November 2025. 

The New Bataan Kalinaw ug Kalamboan Summit, held on November 21, 2025, was a milestone gathering that brought together 100 former rebels in a single venue, reaffirming their important role in sustaining peace at the grassroots level. The summit marked the formal establishment of the 4th Municipal Chapter of KALINAW Davao de Oro, complete with the election and oath-taking of its pioneering officers before New Bataan Mayor Atty. Bianca Cualing-Brua. 

The ceremonial turnover of a ₱200,000 support fund further strengthened their operational capacity, ensuring that essential needs such as training, mobility, and supplies are adequately supported. Many participants shared that the summit deepened their sense of belonging, encouraged their continued participation in peace efforts, and affirmed their contributions to community transformation.

Building on this momentum, KALINAW Davao de Oro held its 2nd Kalinaw Camp on November 24–25, 2025, in the peaceful surroundings of Brgy. Gutalid, Kitaotao, Bukidnon. Designed as a teambuilding and rest activity, the camp allowed provincial and municipal leaders to reconnect, reflect, and reaffirm their shared mission. Participants expressed that the camp renewed their strength after a year of continuous community engagement. The informal environment fostered deeper trust, strengthened interpersonal relationships, and boosted morale. These are significant elements that contribute to lasting unity within the organization. 

Supported by the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro, the Kalinaw Camp became a meaningful space for reflection and rejuvenation, reinforcing the emotional and psychological well-being of the leaders.

Culminating the month’s activities was the three-day Organizational Institutionalization and Strategic Planning Workshop, held on November 27–29, 2025, at the Kalayaan Center in Brgy. Libasan, New Bataan. With 30 Kalinaw provincial and municipal leaders in attendance, the workshop delivered comprehensive training on institutional foundations, financial management, project development, strategic planning, and livelihood roadmap creation. 

Expert speakers provided practical tools and knowledge to help leaders professionalize their systems, secure grants, manage community projects, and strengthen the organization’s overall sustainability. Participants emphasized that the workshop boosted their confidence, equipped them with essential technical and managerial skills, and prepared them to lead future initiatives with competence and clarity. Fully funded by the Municipal LGU of New Bataan, the workshop became a transformative learning experience that elevated Kalinaw leaders’ readiness for long-term organizational growth.

Together, these three activities reflect KALINAW Davao de Oro’s holistic approach to peacebuilding, one that values empowerment, unity, and capacity development. From recognizing former rebels as peace partners, to strengthening leadership morale, to equipping leaders with essential skills, the series of engagements this November has set a renewed direction for the organization. 

Kalinaw Davao de Oro is an affiliate member of the regional former rebels federation Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao. Through collaboration and continued support from local government units, it stands stronger, more united, and more prepared to advance peace and development across the province.