The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga continuously takes a commendable step by extending financial assistance to Former Rebels (FRs) in the Province of Agusan del Sur. On May 22, 2024, 107 FRs were beneficiaries of this initiative, each receiving Php10,000.00 in cash assistance at the Provincial Livelihood Center, Capitol, Province of Agusan del Sur.

This financial aid represents the government’s commitment to reintegrating former rebels into society and aiding them in their transition towards a peaceful and productive civilian life. The support DSWD Field Office Caraga extended aligns with the government’s peace agenda, as outlined in Executive Order (E.O.) 70 series of 2018, underscoring a whole-of-nation approach to achieving sustainable peace.

E.O. 70, also known as the institutionalization of the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” to attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creates a framework for implementing a national peace strategy that involves the coordination and harmonization of various efforts across different sectors of society. By supporting former rebels, the DSWD and other government agencies demonstrate a unified and comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of insurgency, promoting social justice, and ensuring that peace-building efforts are inclusive and sustainable.

The initiative is part of a broader range of programs and services aimed at supporting former rebels, including livelihood assistance, education, housing, and social integration programs. These efforts are crucial in ensuring that FRs can successfully reintegrate into society and contribute to the overall peace and development of their communities and the country at large.

The commitment of the DSWD Field Office Caraga and the government to the peace process and the well-being of former rebels underscores the importance of compassion, understanding, and collective action in achieving lasting peace. It is a clear indication that through concerted efforts and a comprehensive approach, the challenges of insurgency can be addressed, and a more peaceful and prosperous future can be secured for all Filipinos.