In its pursuit to help individuals and families in conflict-vulnerable areas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has extended livelihood assistance to 592 former rebels (FRs) and 99 Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) associations under conflict-vulnerable areas in the region in the year 2021.

Through the SLP, a total of Php11,840,000 was allocated as Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) to the ex-rebels. Each FR received an amount of PHP 20,000 to finance the livelihood project of their choice. As for the CVAs, an amount of PHP28,450,000 was allotted to fund their proposed livelihood projects which was granted to the associations through checks. Further, each check amounted to PHP 300,000.

The provision of livelihood assistance to the FRs and CVAs is part of the national government’s implementation of the Executive Order No. 70, series of 2018 or the “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and Directing the Adoption of a National Peace Framework”.

Further, the distribution of assistance to the FRs and CVAs began during the start of the second semester and concluded in December of last year and was administered by the province to expedite the release of grants. The different provincial local government units, city/municipal government units, and national agencies such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines have also extended their support and assistance to the DSWD-SLP to ensure that the grants will be given to the beneficiaries without trouble and delay.

In his message during the releasing of grants to FRs and CVAs from Agusan del Norte at the Capitol Ground, Butuan City, OIC-Regional Director Ramel Jamen emphasized that among the recipients the need to work hard and diligently to achieve sustainable livelihood and provide their families better lives “We at the DSWD are hoping and believing that you will persevere to ensure that there is growth and progress in your livelihoods.”

In addition, an ex-rebel from Surigao del Sur also shared that he is grateful to the Philippine government for giving their sector a second chance at life. “Salamat sa gobyerno, labi na sa DSWD-SLP, nga gihatagan kami og cash assistance isip livelihood sa among pamilya. Daghang salamat sa inyong suporta kanamo nga mga surrenderee (I’d like to thank the government, especially the DSWD-SLP, for giving us and our families cash assistance as livelihood. Thank you so much for all your support to the surrenderees),” he said.

After the provision of livelihood assistance, the DSWD-SLP field staff and local government units through their city/municipal social welfare and development offices will conduct a monitoring activity to guarantee that the recipients were able to set up their proposed livelihood projects and provide technical assistance should it be needed.

In 2022, the DSWD-SLP commits to continue showing its support to the peace agenda of the national government by helping more individuals and families that will be endorsed to them.