In its relentless pursuit to support the National Government’s implementation of Executive Order 70, series of 2018, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga disbursed P3.12 million worth of Livelihood Settlement Grant to 156 former rebels in the Caraga Region.

Through the Sustainable Livelihood Program, the Department handed Php20,000 to each former rebel as start-up capital for their desired livelihood project.

Before the distribution of grants, the DSWD-SLP conducted capacity-building activities to develop the business skills of the former rebels and guide them on how to manage their livelihoods. Aside from capacitating the beneficiaries, the field staffs of the DSWD-SLP and partner agencies have also assisted the former rebels in making the project proposals for their chosen livelihood activity. These proposals were then reviewed and validated by the Regional Program Management Office to ensure that the projects are feasible.

During the distribution of grants in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, OIC Regional Director Ramel Jamen encouraged the beneficiaries to invest their time and effort in managing their products and to aim for success. He also assured the former rebels that the DSWD and different local government units are always ready to provide technical assistance and extend their support to the beneficiaries.

A beneficiary in Agusan del Norte inspirited his fellow beneficiaries and told them to learn from their experience and to throw away the wrong ideologies they have been taught.

“Mula sa ating mga natutunan na ideolohiya, ating itapon ang mga hindi kaaya-aya at baunin ang mga mabubuti dahil makakatulong ito sa ating kabuhayan at bilang suporta na rin sa ating gobyerno (From the ideologies we have learned, let us disregard the ugly ones and keep some that will help us in our livelihoods and to show support to our government),” he remarked.

Another beneficiary in Surigao del Norte expressed his gratitude to the National Government as well. “We can only experience peace and a true government outside the mountains. I’m grateful for all the help that our national agencies have extended to us.”

The Livelihood Settlement Grant, which is a special project of the DSWD-SLP, is one of the reintegration strategies under the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster of EO 70, s. 18 that aims to make every former rebel and their families economically resilient and sustainable. (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga)