The DILG Albay recently conducted a two-day Roll-Out Training on Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development (CUCPD) to the City of Ligao on December 2-3, 2024, at the Ligao City Hall.

The CUCPD, a strategy under the localization of EO 70, provides policy and platform for convergence and collaboration among all stakeholders in urban areas by undertaking peacebuilding programs that are development-oriented and focusing on prevailing and emerging issues of the various sectors of society.

CUCPD aims to upscale governance and collectively champion the cause of sustaining peace and development by bridging leadership and enabling LGUs to harness all available opportunities to minimize, if not eradicate, the profound feeling of marginalization of vulnerable sectors and enable them to participate in governance.

The activity brought together members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from the vulnerable sectors namely, Youth & Students, Women, Labor, and Urban Poor Sectors with the LGU Functionaries and assisted by partner agencies. The participants engaged in comprehensive discussions with DILG Albay, representatives of Philippine Army and Philippine National Police, and LGU Functionaries on the importance and purpose of CUCPD, current peace and order situation, and the various programs, projects, activities and services (PPAs) of the LGU.

A highlight was a workshop focused on developing the LGU Peacebuilding Plan done through the collaborative solution seeking activities, the participants identified and addressed pressing issues that could hinder community development and potentially lead to social unrest.

By empowering local stakeholders, CUCPD aims to create more peaceful and prosperous urban communities.