FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army led by Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA lauded the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade, Philippine Army for bagging the prestigious Galing Pook Awards during the Galing Pook 2023 Awarding Ceremony held at One Esplanade, Pasay City on October 12, Thursday.
Davao Oriental Governor Niño Sotero Uy Jr. proudly accepted the prestigious award on behalf of the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental.
Reportedly, Governor Uy dedicated the award to the mother of the “Happy Home”, the late Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon. He said that winning this prestigious award is a testament to the province’s unwavering commitment to promoting and fostering peace and development.
The halfway house called ‘Happy Home’ was inaugurated last April 10, 2013, during the term of former governor now Congresswoman Corazon Malanyaon. Since then, the Happy Home has been continuously helping rebels in their transition to civilian life under the present leadership of Governor Nelson Dayanghirang’s leadership.
Said facility is located right across from the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade — the biggest military camp in Davao Oriental.
At the moment, the halfway house caters to hundreds of former rebels who received benefits from the government’s Expanded Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
According to MGen. Costelo the Happy Homes established by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental in collaboration with Kagitingan Brigade is an example of excellence in local governance worthy of emulation and recognition.
“Congratulations to the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental led by Governor Niño Sotero Uy Jr. and to BGen. Oliver Maquiling PA, 701st Brigade Commander for their strong partnership and commitment to its peace and development efforts. We hope that this program will be replicated in other areas in the country as this kind of innovation is vital to the success of our peace and development campaign at the grassroots level,” MGen. Costelo said.
The Galing Pook is an annual search for outstanding local governance programs in the Philippines and aims to recognize and honor outstanding initiatives in local government units (LGUs) that have made a significant impact on their communities. These initiatives serve as models of best practices for other LGUs to emulate.
