THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Negros Oriental provincial government are collaborating to support the livelihood and reintegration of former rebels who surrendered in 2000.
During a meeting on March 4, concerned officials discussed enhancing socio-economic programs, such as building houses, extending educational assistance, and crafting a transformation program plan to integrate peace and development projects.
Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee (JEMC) chairman Cesar Yano thanked the Negros Oriental government for supporting OPAPRU’s various peace initiatives in the province.
Yano, who represented Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. in the meeting, reaffirmed the OPAPRU’s “steadfast commitment to continue implementing socio-economic interventions that would uplift the lives of the former insurgents referred to as “Kapatiran members.”
He also emphasized the need to enhance existing livelihood assistance programs for the group which are part of the social preparation to ensure the sustainability of such interventions for the rebel-returnees.
“We have built 16 houses, and we are building 44 houses this year. We have the infrastructure,” Yano said.
This effort aims to ensure sustainability, address the needs of former rebels and their families, and promote trust between the government and local communities. The PAMANA program will provide additional funding for these initiatives.