As a young adolescent, Amelia (not her real name) has always desired to be of service to the country. She knew deep in her heart that she wanted to serve the community. Hence, when members from the New People’s Army discussed with her their distorted ideologies and beliefs about the government and the country, she willingly joined the group – thinking that it was through the group that she will be able to serve those disadvantaged.

Amelia, a resident of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, became one of the teachers or educators in the group. As teachers, they were tasked to educate newly recruited members. Amelia firmly believed that she was making a change and serving her beloved country.

But as time went by, Amelia started to realize that nothing was happening. She wasn’t making an impact. Amelia began to get exhausted living a life in hiding. Aside from her realizations, she also noticed that her children were getting sick more frequently. She knew that her children needed her the most.

One cold morning in 2018, Amelia just knew that she had enough of a risky life. No more running away, she thought. She surrendered to the government and promised herself to never look back in that dark period of her life.

Getting assistance and welcoming opportunities

Under the Duterte administration, Executive Order No. 70, series of 2018 or 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”, the national government aims to help former rebels rebuild their lives through the provision of various support such as financial assistance, shelter or village communities, and livelihood assistance.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through the Sustainable Livelihood Program, was given the task to implement the executive order’s livelihood intervention. Under the DSWD-SLP, eligible former rebels or Militia ng Bayan (MB) identified by the Joint AFP-PNO Intelligence Committee are qualified to receive the Livelihood Settlement Grant.

Because of the issuance of this executive order, Amelia and 18 other former rebels received livelihood assistance. This opportunity paved way for Amelia and her fellow returnees to have a second chance at life again.

Receiving the livelihood assistance was just the beginning for Amelia and everyone.

Setting up the business

Before receiving the assistance, Amelia and her family’s sole source of income was farming. They would walk for long hours just to reach their farmland.

So when she received an amount of PHP 20,000 as seed capital for her livelihood, Amelia opted to engage in Tilapia production. She decided to venture into this livelihood because it was easier to manage and she didn’t need to walk for many hours anymore as she was able to set up the Tilapia pond near their home.

Amelia shared that since she began her small business, she enjoyed every second managing it. “Nalingaw gyud ko kay dali lang siya alagaan unya maayo sab ang income. Apil pa ani, nahimo nako siyang kalingawan na gyud nako unya maka-relax pa ko (I have fun while managing this livelihood. The income is also stable. This has already become by hobby and I get to relax while tending it).”

Further, Amelia shared that she didn’t need to tire herself in looking for buyers for her produce because most residents in their barangay would purchase Tilapia from her. Using the income from her livelihood, Amelia was able to build a small house for her family.

Serving others and moving forward

Because it is her utmost dream to serve the community. Amelia shows compassion to others by giving away free Tilapia fingerlings to her neighbors who also wanted to engage in the same project. She also shares her knowledge on how to manage a livelihood and imparts advice to her neighbors.

Aside from being able to live a normal, safe life again, Amelia is just more than happy that she gets to serve the people around her. This was just the kind of life Amelia wanted. She knows that in her little ways, she was making an impact in their community.

“Mapasalamaton gyud ko ani nga oportunidad. Ako gyud ni padayunon para mas mulambo pa mi ug daghan pa og matabangan (I’m really thankful for this opportunity. I’ll try my best to nurture this project and make it successful so that I can help more people),” Amelia expressed.

Amelia is just glad that she took the risk and left her old, dangerous life. For her, it was the best decision she has ever done. Now, she’s ready to grow, move forward, and serve more people.