“This is not only a victory of the government but also of every iKalinga who never lost hope for lasting peace’ - Gov. Edduba on Kalinga's State of Stable Internal Peace and Security

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Governor James Edduba described the declaration of Kalinga under the State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS) as not only a government achievement, but also a recognition of the sacrifices, patience, and resilience of every iKalinga who endured years of insurgency yet continued to believe that peace would eventually prevail.

Edduba made the statement before government officials, uniformed personnel, and iKalingas during the historic event held on Tuesday, May 12, at the Kalinga Sports Center.

In his speech, Edduba stressed that the province’s milestone was not achieved by the government alone, but through the collective endurance of communities that suffered through decades of armed conflict.

The governor recalled how insurgency once left deep wounds across the province, affecting not only security but also the lives and aspirations of many Kalinga families.

He said many communities lived for years under fear and division as armed conflict disrupted normal life in remote areas.

“This milestone is not only a victory of the government but also a victory of every iKalinga who never lost hope for lasting peace. For many years, our province endured the painful effects of insurgency. Many of our fellow citizens and their families were led astray and suffered because of armed struggle and division. Countless lives were affected, dreams were delayed, and communities lived in fear and uncertainty. Yet, despite these challenges, the people of Kalinga remained resilient, prayerful, and united in the hope that one day, genuine peace would prevail,” said Edduba.

Edduba then described the declaration as the fulfillment of a “long-awaited peace,” achieved through the sacrifices made by both security forces and civilians who endured the consequences of insurgency.

“Today, that long-awaited peace has finally been achieved. And because we know the sacrifices, tears, and lives that paved the way toward this moment, we will never let this peace slip away from our hands,” he added.

Concluding his speech, the governor reaffirmed his unwavering commitment, together with the provincial government, municipalities, barangays, security forces, civil society organizations, indigenous leaders, youth, and every sector of society, to protect and preserve the peace that iKalingas now enjoy.

“We commit ourselves to remain united in strengthening good governance, promoting inclusive development, creating opportunities for our people, and ensuring that future generations will inherit a province that is safe, progressive, and peaceful,” he further stated.

The province of Kalinga was granted SSIPS status after government evaluators determined that insurgency threats in the province had already been neutralized through successful government efforts and the cooperation of local communities.