MANILA, Philippines — The government is committed to the reintegration of former rebels and make them productive members of society by providing livelihood opportunities, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. said Thursday.
Speaking at the 1st Balay Kalinaw Former Rebels Peace Summit in Davao del Norte, where 700 former rebels took their oath to reintegrate with society and commit to peace-building, Lagdameo said the Marcos administration aims not only to end armed conflict but also to ensure that former rebels can have opportunities to rebuild their lives.
“It is the clear directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the return to peaceful civilian life should come with livelihood, development, and opportunities for a better future,” Lagdameo said.
Lagdameo stressed the need for former rebels to have opportunities through government support to ensure that they have a stable income source and contribute to peace-building.
In June, the Office of the President, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, allocated more than P17.5 million for the operation of the Balay Kalinaw Peace and Development Center.
The center is a hub for programs to help the transformation and reintegration of former rebels, their families, and communities.
During the event, sustainable livelihood grants for farming and general merchandising were distributed, as well as coconut seedlings and other socioeconomic assistance.
Meanwhile, a total of P2 million in socioeconomic assistance was donated by Lagdameo. Of that amount, P500,000 was given to the Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao Region, P250,000 to the Kamanyan Riverside Farmers Association, and another P250,000 to the NAPO Farmers Association.
“The assistance you will receive is not only aid. It is capital for a new life,” Lagdameo said as he urged the beneficiaries to use the support properly, grow their livelhood and eventually help others who want to start anew.
“We cannot change the past. But we can choose what kind of future we will build,” he said.
The peace summit also saw the oath-taking of former rebels' people organization officers. National and local officials pledged their commitment to sustaining peace and development.
Lagdameo also cited the importance of including Indigenous communities in development as he congratulated the Ata Manobo Former Rebels Association on its second anniversary.
He said the government's peace vision is about creating conditions where peace is felt in everyday life through opportunities, livelihood and inclusive development.