Agusan Norte builds homes of hope for former rebels
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In Agusan del Norte, peace is not only being dreamed of, it is being built, one home at a time as former rebels, now called ‘friends rescued’ (FRs), move closer to reintegrating into peaceful civilian life with the dedicated housing projects spearheaded by the provincial government.
Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to helping FRs, live safer and have peaceful lives with their families, as she led the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the Inter-Local Agency Partnership (ILAP) housing projects in Sitio Talag-anahaw, Brgy. Talo-ao, Buenavista, and New Hope Village, Brgy. Del Pilar in Cabadbaran City.
“The initiative goes beyond providing shelter, it gives FRs the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and peace alongside their loved ones,” Gov. Amante said. “This underlines the national government’s whole-of-nation approach in assisting FRs, from land and housing to livelihoods and security.”
Reassuring the FRs of continuous government support, the governor added, “Samtang buhi pa ko, tabangan gyud mo nako aron makabarog mo pag-usab. Sultii lang mi kung unsa inyong gikinahanglan. (As long as I am still alive, I will help you rise again. Just tell us what you need).”
Buenavista Mayor Joselito T. Roble expressed gratitude to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) led by Retired Maj. Gen. Edgardo De Leon for the additional P10 million funding that will be used to construct 20 two-storey housing units for 40 households. He also shared that the initial 10 units, intended for 20 households, are nearly complete.
Mayor Roble lauded the provincial government and partner stakeholders’ unwavering support, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ manpower contribution in the housing construction.
He also highlighted the FRs’ transformation, citing their role in maintaining peace in the town during the Tortosa Festival and their involvement in community programs such as the Mayor’s Action Team for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and anti-drug campaigns.
Meanwhile, Cabadbaran City Mayor Judy C. Amante welcomed the additional P5 million allocated for FR housing in her area. She reminded beneficiaries to value and care for their homes, stressing that not everyone is given such a rare and life-changing opportunity.
To further strengthen economic opportunities, Agusan del Norte Congressional Representative Dale B. Corvera pledged P500,000 seed capital through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), while also exploring other interventions such as TUPAD and partnerships with DHSUD and NHA.
Two FR beneficiaries, Benidos and Tejano, expressed their gratitude saying, “Dili sayang among pagsurender. Dakong kadaugan ug dakong hagit nga mahimong saksi sa among kanhing kauban nga manaog na, kay natagamtaman na nato ang gobyerno. (Our surrender was not wasted. This served as victory and motivation to our former comrades who have yet to come down because we have already experienced the support of the government).”
This local milestone aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s broader transformation agenda. He pledged that the government shall honor and fulfill remaining commitments under peace agreements, emphasizing support for former combatants and their transition to peaceful, productive lives. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from MLGU of Buenavista)