Marag Valley (once a bulwark of NPA in Apayao)… now a symbol of peace and porgress - Mayor Garde, during amnesty orientation

Luna, Apayao- During the amnesty orientation and application intake held at Camp Gov. Elias K. Bulut Sr. And Training Center on September 26, 2025, Mayor Januario S. Garde highlighted the change of Marag Valley - a place once known as no man’s land - into a symbol of peace and progress to 34 peace advocates across the province participating in said event.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Apayao Police Provincial Office (APPO) under PCOL Arnold D. Razote, was conducted in collaboration with the National Amnesty Commission - Local Amnesty Board (LAB) Baguio and La Union, represented by Ivonnie L. Bestre, Peace Program Officer III of LAB Baguio, and Kitchie Carla Palacio, PPO III LAB of La Union, seeking to reintegrate more former rebels into mainstream society.

It is hoped that with more former rebels coming back to the folds of the law, peace and development within the province will be attained at a faster pace.

Mayor Garde, in his talk at the event, expressed gratitude to the attendees, emphasizing the government's commitment to reconciliation.

"Pagyamanak kakabsat iti pinangirakup yu daytoy nga programa iti gobyerno tayo, tandaanan tayo nalpasen dagijay nga napasamak, sapayla kuma ta dakayo iti katak- takunaynay mi dakayo iti kakibin mi tapno sumayaat daytoy lugar tayo," Mayor Garde stated, urging the participants to be partners in progress.

The Mayor hopes that through the peace advocates, the province will advance more and that the people will eventually become one in walking towards progress for the next generations to see how good the place they will have been born in.

Mayor Garde likewise highlighted the transformation of Marag Valley, once known as the bulwark of rebels, into a beacon of peace and progress.

"Siyak nga mayor yu mabalin kon ipannakkel iti Marag Valley nga nagbalinen nga ehemplo iti kaadwan, ta uray idi pag didinnamagan da iti Marag Valley ngem itatta nakar- karo nga pagdidinnamagan dan gapo iti kinasayaat na, kina progresso na ken kina peaceful nan daytoy nga lugar," said the local executive.

One of the most important part of the orientation was the oath of allegiance administered by the Mayor, symbolizing the peace advocates renewed commitment to upholding the law and contributing to the betterment of the province. This act, according to him, signified not only an end to armed conflict but also a beginning of a collaborative effort towards building a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.