CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal — CALABARZON achieved a historic milestone on the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence after becoming the first region in the country this year to be declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) Status during the SIPS Seal Awarding and Declaration Ceremony held at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, Quezon on June 12.
The milestone was celebrated in the presence of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Quezon Governor Angelina Tan, Southern Luzon Command Commander Lieutenant General Cerilo Balaoro Jr., and 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division Commander Major General Ramon Zagala.
CALABARZON’s regional declaration was built on a series of provincial milestones achieved over the years. Cavite became the first province in the region to be declared under SIPS in 2018 and was subsequently revalidated in 2024. Laguna followed in 2019 and was revalidated in 2026, while Batangas attained its declaration in 2021. Quezon achieved its SIPS declaration in 2023, followed by Rizal in 2024. Together, these accomplishments paved the way for CALABARZON to become the first region in the country to attain a Stable Internal Peace and Security Status.
In his message, Major General Zagala underscored the significance of achieving the milestone on the nation’s Independence Day, noting that peace and freedom are inseparable.
“As we celebrate the 128th Philippine Independence Day, we are reminded that the true value of freedom is realized when our people can live in peace, raise their families in safety, and pursue opportunities without fear,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Zagala also described the declaration as the result of years of sacrifice, cooperation, and sustained effort among government agencies, local leaders, security forces, and communities committed to building a safer and more resilient CALABARZON.
“This achievement belongs to everyone who worked tirelessly to make CALABARZON a safer, more stable, and more resilient region,” he added.
Today, CALABARZON stands as one of the country’s major centers of industry, tourism, agriculture, and commerce, where peace continues to create opportunities for growth, investment, and development. The declaration serves as both a recognition of the gains achieved and a reminder that sustaining peace requires continued vigilance, strong partnerships, and shared responsibility.
