The remarkable surrender of approximately 100 insurgent supporters residing in San Fernando, Philippines, and three towns—namely, Sacramento Valley, Sitio Sabolwan, and Magkalungay, in Bukidnon—was greatly facilitated by SULADS' literacy programs on July 10, 2023. The initiative, which was designed to empower marginalized communities through education, shaped hearts and minds while promoting peace and order.

SULADS is a non-governmental charitable educational organization in the Philippines with the mission of educating and inspiring unreached indigenous people. SULADS is derived from the Manobo word sulad, which signifies “brother or sister.” In addition, it stands for Socio-economic Uplift, Literacy, Anthropological, and Developmental Services.

SULADS is known to be a missionary arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church dedicated to reaching out to families and communities in challenging areas. It has been operating in places where poverty, insurgency, and limited access to education remain rampant. By offering literacy programs, vocational training, and other educational opportunities, SULADS was able to help build self-reliant communities and achieve sustainable peace.

The official surrender took place at the municipal gymnasium on Sunday morning, which was also attended by military personnel, policemen, government officials, and leaders from Adventist World Radio, the Central Mindanao Mission (CMM), and SULADS. Local authorities and community leaders, as well as government officials such as the Honorable Rogelio S. Yeke, mayor of San Fernando, and the Honorable Rogelio Neil Roque, Governor of Bukidnon, praised the organization for its invaluable contributions to encouraging positive change.

The 48th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Gilbert F. Gomez stated that the event should serve as an inspiration to achieve peace and order in San Fernando and the province of Bukidnon. Governor Roque led the Panunumpa Sa Pagsalikway (“Oath of Renunciation”). Here, the surrenderees officially renounced their support of the rebel group and affirmed their allegiance to the government. It was followed by the peace covenant signing and the handing over of firearms.

Pastor Ephraim L. Pitogo, SULADS president, reiterated that the organization’s success happened because of its partnership with the government and people in uniform. He emphasized that the collaboration would address social issues more easily and efficiently in their pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous society.

As SULADS continues its mission to promote education and uplift marginalized communities, it remains an exemplar of how education can be a catalyst of change and foster sustainable peace.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.