LIGAO City – Some 10,000 people from the different towns of the third district of Albay and delegates from Legazpi City and Sorsogon participated in the multisectoral march-rally for Peace and Development held last Sunday (Nov. 30) at the city plaza here.

        The participants, some carrying placards and streamers calling for an end to terrorism and insurgency, braved the noon-day heat to listen to the solidarity messages of their leaders.

        After the ecumenical prayer, a participant read a manifesto which read in part: “ We, the local government units (LGUs), line government agencies (LGAs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), People’s Organizations (POs), Philippine Army (PA), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the different sectors of society strongly, jointly and collaboratively support to actualize the development programs of the government.

        “The attainment of a peaceful and progressive community could only be achieved through genuine community service, strong determination, full cooperation, active support and involment of all the stakeholders and the people in the community particularly on environmental protection, health, people’s welfare, education, capacity building and peace and stability.

        “We fully understand that the threat of insurgency is the strong encumbrance on the economic potentials of the province.

        “As a manifestation of our united efforts, solidarity and strong resolve to attain these goals, we hereby affix our signature on the 30th day of Nov. 2008 in Ligao City.”

        The signatories include representatives of farmer organizations, youth sector including Aquing Bicolnon, labor and transport sector, LGUs, LGAs, PA and PNP.

        Most of those who delivered solidarity messages came from the nongovernment sector.

        Redentor Lasay, president of Aquing Bicolnon, urged the people to wage war on poverty and to attain genuine peace and development.

        Wenfredo Arimado, president of kilusan kontra komusta (KKK), asked Albayanos to followthe example of Castilla, Sorsogon where the residents had driven the New Peoples Army (NPAs).

        Other activities included a tree planting at 6 a.m. and free medical/dental service from 9 a.m. to 3. p.m.

        The multisectoral march-rally for peace and development was organized by the 901st Infantry Brigade PA led by Col. Ariel Bernardo, brigade commander.