CALABARZON was declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) Status, marking a key milestone in internal peace and security efforts during the celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day, officials said.
The declaration was formalized during the SIPS Seal Awarding and Declaration Ceremony held at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City on June 12, recognizing sustained gains in peace and order that led to the region becoming the first in the country in 2026 to attain the status.
The ceremony was attended by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Quezon Governor Angelina Tan, Southern Luzon Command Commander Lt. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., and 2nd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, among other officials.
Officials said the regional declaration was built on a series of provincial milestones over several years.
Cavite was first declared under SIPS status in 2018 and revalidated in 2024, followed by Laguna in 2019 with revalidation in 2026. Batangas was declared in 2021, Quezon in 2023, and Rizal in 2024, collectively enabling CALABARZON to attain the regional designation.
Maj. Gen. Zagala said the milestone highlights the link between peace and development, noting that security allows communities to fully experience the benefits of freedom.
“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.
He added that the achievement was made possible through sustained cooperation among security forces, local governments, national agencies, and communities.
“This achievement belongs to everyone who worked tirelessly to make CALABARZON a safer, more stable, and more resilient region,” he said.
CALABARZON remains one of the country’s major economic hubs, with officials noting that sustained peace and stability continue to support growth in industry, tourism, agriculture, and commerce across the region.