ROXAS, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — “Pinagpapasalamat namin na ang pamahalaan ay tinututukan ang mga programang makatutulong sa katulad namin na former rebels, nandiyan ang iba’t-ibang sangay ng pamahalaan na may kontribusyon kung paano talaga i-implementa ang mga sinserong programa na magbibigay daan para sa katiwasayan ng pamumuhay ng aming mga pamilya,” this was the message given by “Kuya Joe” from Gloria, a former rebel.
“Kuya Joe” is just one of the 82 former rebels that attended the three-day Former Rebel (FR) Summit at the municipality of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro on November 28-30, 2023.
The event with the theme “Kapayapaan: Responsibilidad ng bawat Mamamayan,” was initiated by the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, brought together various national government agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Army, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Philippine National Police to ensure that their reintegration to society will be seamless.
Former rebels hold their PhilHealth membership cards during the Former Rebels Summit 2023 in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. (Photo by Juanito Joshua Sugay/PIA MIMAROPA)
Also, the summit served as a platform for former rebels to share their issues and concerns as a surrenderee and for the government to share their programs and projects that they can avail as well as outline comprehensive strategies for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
PhilHealth representatives outlined health care initiatives tailored for former rebels, ensuring access to essential medical services. Also, TESDA announced vocational training programs designed to equip individuals with skills for sustainable employment, while DSWD highlighted social welfare programs aimed at addressing the specific needs of former rebels and their families.
In addition, PhilHealth fast tracked the membership process of the FRs present in the activity, issuing their respective cards. DSWD, meanwhile, handed out financial assistance worth P5,000 each for the beneficiaries under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program.
According to the data gathered by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) regarding the implementation of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in the province, 82 housing units amounting to P8 million, and spanning across various National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) areas in the province were provided by the Provincial Government. Also, an additional 38 units will also be given to Barangay Fortuna, Socorro by next year.
DILG also funded the construction of the P5 million worth of halfway house in Barangay Pag-Asa, Bansud that currently serves as a temporary shelter for new rebel returnees. (JJGS/PIA MIMAROPA)
