‘Adopt-an-FR’ program sustains successful reintegration of former rebels in Agusan Norte
By Nora C. Lanuza
The increasing number of rebel returnees in Agusan del Norte is reflective of the successful implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in the province.
This
number of rebel returnees availing of the grants and incentives offered under
the E-CLIP posed a challenge to the program’s sustainability, prompting Gov.
Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, who chairs the Provincial Peace and Order
Council (PPOC), to create the ‘Adopt-an-FR’ program.
FR refers
to “Friends Rescued,” or former rebels who surrendered to the government and
availed of its reintegration program.
“It has
been noted that we have been very successful with our efforts in inviting our
brothers to return to the folds of the law, but we have failed to look into
their final destination, which is for them to be reintegrated into their chosen
community; that’s the reason why we have this program,” the governor
underscored.
DILG
provincial director Ellen Vee Chua, who heads the PPOC secretariat, explained
that the Adopt-an-FR is more than just a structured partnership between
the provincial and local governments, as it received generous support from the
private sector and civic society organizations.
“The
LGUs, together with the partner institutions, utilized their resources to
better serve the FRs by matching them with appropriate livelihood and job
opportunities where they can reintegrate productively in the locality of their
choice,” Chua said.
“[Rebel
returnees now] work as construction workers; some are assigned to offices for
clerical and utility work; others are now members of the Civilian Armed Forces
Geographical Units; enlisted personnel; security officers, among others,” said
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office chief, Dr. Silver Joy Tejano.
“The
Adopt-an-FR program also gives consideration to FRs who are incapacitated to
work. In this situation, their identified family member or representative will
be working on their behalf to guarantee the survival of their families,”
Tejano added.
The
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) further disclosed that
as of December 2023, there are 155 FRs in the province of Agusan del Norte who
benefitted from the program.
During the interview conducted by PIA - Agusan del Norte with Nelson and other FRs who benefited from the Adopt-an-FR program. They expressed gratitude to the provincial government for the program, as they were not left behind. Photo of PIA-ADN.
“Nelson”
is among the rebel returnees who have benefited from the program.
“Dako
kaayo ang tabang sa gobyerno sa akoa ug wala ko pasagdi. Pinaaagi sa
Adopt-an-FR nga programa, naa koy trabaho, nabuhi nako ako pamilya ug
nakapadayon ug eskwela akong mga anak sa kolehiyo,” Nelson shared.
[Translation:The
government helped me a lot. They took care of me. Through the Adopt-an-FR
program, I now have a job, and I was able to provide for my family, and my
children managed to pursue their college education.]
After his
surrender in 2022, “Nelson” was endorsed to the local government of Nasipit,
which took him in as a job order (JO) employee.
Nasipit Mayor Roscoe Democrito B. Plaza explained the background of the Adopt-an-FR program to PIA-Agusan del Norte information center manager Nora L. Molde. Photo of PIA-ADN.
Nasipit
Mayor Roscoe Democrito B. Plaza said he did not have second thoughts about
accepting "Nelson,” as he believes that he deserves a second chance.
“They deserve a second chance to change their lives for the better, and in this manner, they can help us (government) end the terrorist activities of the CPP-NPAs,” Plaza said. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
