South Cotabato, Philippines — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato is eyeing its fourth Galing Pook Award for its peacebuilding and community development initiative in Malyango River, a former conflict-affected area that is gradually being transformed into a destination for tourism, livelihood, and community engagement.
Anchored on the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., the initiative highlights the province’s efforts to transform Malyango from an area once associated with violence and extremism into a community where residents can rebuild their lives, strengthen peace, and explore new opportunities through tourism and development.
Vice Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. emphasized that while recognition from Galing Pook is a welcome achievement, the greater significance of the program lies in its impact on the communities and individuals who have undergone reintegration.
“The award is just a bonus for us. What’s more important is we made a difference in the lives of our friends rescued,” Pingoy said.
The transformation is also felt by residents of Malyango, particularly those who witnessed the challenges brought by conflict and the gradual return of peace and normalcy in their community.
Yaezer Nilong, a resident of Malyango, recalled how the community was once almost deserted because of the security situation.
“Dati, ang lugar namin ay parang ghost barangay. Nang dahil sa reintegration, unti-unting bumabalik ang aming community na safe and peaceful,” Nilong said.
For Nilong, the continuing development of Malyango is more than just a physical transformation. It represents the community’s aspiration to move beyond its past and change how people perceive their area.
“Gusto ko na pong matigil ang pananaw na violence and extremism sa lugar namin sa Malyango,” he added.
The initiative also gained positive observations from the Galing Pook validators, who highlighted the collaboration among different sectors in sustaining the program.
Galing Pook validator Alexander Pama noted the presence of the 4Ps — Private, Public, People, and Partnership — in the province’s approach, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing community concerns and sustaining development initiatives.
Meanwhile, Col. Carlyleo Nagac underscored South Cotabato’s potential, particularly the story and opportunities surrounding Malyango River.
“South Cotabato has so much potential. Malyango has a beautiful story and has more to offer,” Nagac said.
Malyango River is in Barangay Lapu, a once isolated barangay in the town of Polomolok, traversing mountains adjacent to Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.
The initiative demonstrates the Provincial Government’s continuing efforts to connect peacebuilding, reintegration, community participation, and local development. From an area once affected by conflict, Malyango is being positioned as a community where residents can rebuild, participate in development, and showcase the natural and cultural assets of their locality.
The province’s pursuit of another Galing Pook recognition reflects not only the implementation of a government program but also the collective efforts of the government, communities, private sector, and other partners in creating opportunities for former violent extremists and conflict-affected communities.
For South Cotabato, the recognition may serve as an affirmation of its governance initiatives, but the more significant measure of success remains the transformation experienced by the people of Malyango — from a community marked by fear and displacement toward one defined by peace, participation, and renewed hope.
