KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato | January, 19, 2026 — Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has credited people-centered governance, inclusive development, and strong public–private partnerships as the key reasons why South Cotabato is now experiencing a level of peace once thought difficult to achieve.
Speaking during Governor Meets the Press, Governor Tamayo explained that while the province has yet to issue an official declaration as insurgency-free, the absence of organized armed resistance within most areas of South Cotabato reflects a deeper and more sustainable form of peace—one rooted in service delivery and trust between government and communities.
“We have not officially declared South Cotabato as insurgency-free,” Tamayo clarified. “But one of the reasons why there are no more people fighting against the government here is because they know we are doing everything they have long been fighting for.”
According to the governor, peace and order in the province did not come from force alone, but from addressing long-standing issues that fuel discontent—poverty, lack of access to education and health services, poor infrastructure, and limited opportunities in far-flung communities.
Governor Tamayo stressed that meaningful peace begins when government responds directly to the needs of the people.
“Think about it,” he said. “Peace and order is good because we act immediately. Even if crimes cannot be avoided, we resolve them right away.”
He pointed out that the provincial government has consistently invested in human capital development, even during times when resources were limited.
“We are trying to establish human capital. It’s hard, but we are providing free education—even when government funds are delayed,” Tamayo said. “Aside from that, we are also providing free hospitalization.”
These flagship programs, he explained, send a strong message to communities that government presence is felt not only during elections or crises, but in everyday life.
Governor Tamayo emphasized that the provincial government has made it a priority to respond to the concrete demands of communities, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
“All their requests—farm-to-market roads, water systems—we are establishing them,” he said. “Even if there are still people left behind, we are continuously working so they can feel that government is present.”
According to Tamayo, this consistent response has helped diminish the reasons for armed resistance.
“When people see that their concerns are being addressed, what other reason is there to fight against the government?” he asked.
One of the distinguishing features of South Cotabato’s governance approach, Tamayo said, is its strong collaboration with the private sector.
“We go outside the box,” he explained. “We involve the private sector. But you cannot involve them if you do not include them in the vision.”
By aligning government programs with business development, Tamayo said the province ensures sustainability—not just of peace, but of economic growth.
“For example, free education ensures there will be skilled workers when businesses expand,” he said. “It’s a whole-of-the-nation approach.”
Governor Tamayo expressed hope that what South Cotabato has achieved can inspire other provinces across the country.
“I hope that what we did here can be replicated in other provinces,” he said. “Because when this happens, the whole country will be free from insurgency.”
He added that true national security is achieved when soldiers no longer need to guard communities from internal conflict, but only protect the country’s territorial integrity.
“The dream is for Filipinos to be united—to protect our country and ensure that the lives of every citizen will rise,” Tamayo said.
For Governor Tamayo, peace is not declared—it is earned.
It is built through classrooms instead of camps, hospitals instead of hostility, roads instead of resentment, and governance that listens instead of ignores.
As South Cotabato continues to strengthen its people-centered programs, the province stands as a living example that peace is possible—not through fear, but through service.
