In line with its continuing advocacy to strengthen patriotism, public service discipline, national pride, and good local governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10, led by Regional Director Bruce A. Colao, CESO V, together with DILG Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Engr. Marisia C. Naybe, CESE, along with Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette T. Uy, the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (MORPPO), and other local officials, participated in the Joint Flag Raising Ceremony and Peace, Development, and Governance Conversations held on July 13, 2026, at Barangay Eureka, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Initiated by DILG Region 10, the activity was conducted pursuant to Republic Act No. 8491 (Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines) and Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 19, s. 2012, reaffirming the importance of the regular observance of flag ceremonies in government offices. Beyond honoring the national flag, the activity promoted discipline, nationalism, civic responsibility, and service-oriented leadership among public servants while recognizing the indispensable role of barangay officials and community volunteers in nation-building and grassroots governance.

The program opened with the Welcome Message of Hon. Daphne F. Bagaipo, Punong Barangay of Barangay Eureka, followed by the Rationale and Message of Regional Director Bruce A. Colao, CESO V, who underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and communities in fostering peaceful, resilient, and progressive barangays.

The Peace, Development, and Governance Conversations that followed provided a valuable platform for barangay officials, volunteers, and community stakeholders to engage directly with government representatives on issues affecting peace and order, local development, and governance. The dialogue enabled participants to identify priority concerns, exchange insights, and discuss responsive interventions that advance participatory, transparent, and accountable governance.

The activity was further enriched by Messages of Solidarity from Hon. Juliette T. Uy, Governor of Misamis Oriental; Hon. Erick G. Cañosa, City Mayor of Gingoog City, represented by CDRRMO Marlon Pajo; and representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Their messages reaffirmed the shared commitment of national government agencies, local government units, and the uniformed services to sustaining peace, accelerating development, and strengthening responsive governance in local communities.

The successful conduct of the initiative was likewise supported by the DILG Gingoog City Field Office through the invaluable assistance and coordination of City Local Government Operations Officer Rey Gilbert B. Capricho, whose leadership and support in coordinating with local stakeholders and facilitating the activity contributed significantly to its smooth and successful implementation.

More importantly, the initiative underscored the government’s commitment to bringing its programs, services, and leadership closer to the grassroots. By engaging directly with barangay officials, volunteers, and residents, the activity provided a meaningful avenue for communities to voice their concerns while demonstrating that government remains present, accessible, and responsive. Through this whole-of-government approach, DILG Region 10 continues to strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders, ensuring that governance is not only participatory and responsive but also genuinely felt in every barangay. (𝘿𝙄𝙇𝙂𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙊𝙧 |J.Baconawa-Adlawan/J.Abalde)