The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said P11.7 million in socio-economic assistance was distributed to former rebel-led people’s organizations in Region 12 or SOCCSKSARGENunder the government’s Transformation Program.
In a statement on Sunday, OPAPRU Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said the agency delivered livelihood assistance to former rebel organizations in key provinces in Mindanao.
“The OPAPRU was able to deliver its socio-economic commitments under our Transformation Program framework in key provinces in Mindanao, specifically in Region 12, as several former rebel people’s organizations received seed capital as livelihood assistance,” Sarmiento said.
The assistance was distributed during the second week of May through a joint effort by OPAPRU, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XII, and provincial government units in Region 12.
Checks and certificates of accreditation were awarded to qualified Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Livelihood Program Associations to support enterprise development projects.
The aid package benefited 37 organizations formed by former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and National Democratic Front in South Cotabato, Sarangani, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
“This livelihood assistance presents a very good opportunity to strengthen and sustain peace gains in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas, and support the successful transformation of former rebels into their communities in Region 12,” Sarmiento said.
According to OPAPRU, the livelihood assistance formed part of a provincial government-led peace framework aimed at supporting the reintegration of former rebels, their families, and communities.
The OPAPRU’s PAMANA Program National Project Management Office funded the socio-economic intervention, while the agency’s CPP-NPA-NDF Peace Process Office endorsed the eligible organizations.
In Cotabato province, funded projects included agricultural and agri-vet supply enterprises, rice retailing, mini-groceries, and livestock-related ventures.
Sarangani province implemented projects such as goat raising, general merchandise stores, agri-vet supply businesses, and rice wholesale operations.
South Cotabato focused on rice retailing, mini-groceries, agri-vet supply businesses, general merchandise, and swine fattening enterprises.
Sultan Kudarat recorded the largest number of beneficiary associations and projects, including agri-vet supply stores, grocery operations, coffee processing, and chair-and-table rental services.
Several associations in Kalamansig, Palimbang, Lebak, Esperanza, and Columbio also received funding support for community-based livelihood activities.
“Under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., our goal is not merely putting an end to armed conflict but the cultivation of a lasting, positive peace. By bringing the government closer to the people through the Transformation Program, we are proving that good things happen to those who walk the path of peace,” Sarmiento said.
