The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed cash-for-work assistance to 547 former combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Basilan.
Each participant received P9,747 after completing a 27-day program aimed at community development, according to a DSWD press statement on Thursday.
The beneficiaries are from various municipalities, including Al-Barka, Akbar, and Isabela City.
During the payout ceremony in Lamitan City, DSWD Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay highlighted the importance of their contributions to local development.
He urged recipients to use the funds wisely, emphasizing that lasting peace begins within individuals.
Key officials from local government and military attended the event to support peace initiatives.
This cash assistance is part of the MNLF Transformation Program, which aims to foster socio-economic stability.
Additionally, DSWD field office in Soccsksargen provided aid to former members of disbanded private armed groups as part of ongoing peace efforts in the region.
