Agusan Norte strengthens support for ‘peace advocates’
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — “Peace advocates,” also known as former rebels or friends rescued (FRs), benefited from the one-stop-shop service initiated by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, reinforcing the province’s sustained commitment to peace-building, reintegration, and inclusive development.
Held on January 12 at the Kagawasan 143 Peace and Development Center inside the 402nd Infantry Brigade, Camp Romualdo C. Rubi, Barangay Bancasi, the activity brought together various government agencies to deliver essential services aimed at helping the ‘peace advocates’ rebuild their lives and live decently with their loved ones.
The initiative aligns with the national peace framework of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which promotes whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to ending local communist armed conflict and ensuring the successful reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society.
Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante underscored the provincial government’s wholehearted support for Friends Rescued and their families. “The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is fully committed to helping our peace advocates live a decent and peaceful life with their loved ones by ensuring that government services, livelihood opportunities, and social support are within their reach.”
The province-led activity, implemented through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), aimed to ensure effective delivery of government services, improve accessibility, and address pressing concerns of peace advocates by consolidating services in an accessible place.
PSWDO Chief Silver Joy Tejano highlighted that the initiative reflects the provincial government’s inclusive and people-centered approach to governance. “This one-stop shop is an initiative of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte to ensure effective delivery of government services to the peace advocates, improve their access to these services, and address their pressing concerns in availing government assistance.”
As part of the initiative, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), through the Office of the City Election Officer of Butuan City, facilitated voter registration for new registrants, transfer of registration, change of status, and reactivation, helping peace advocates reclaim their right to participate in democratic processes.
Other participating agencies included the Department of Labor and Employment through the Public Employment Service Office, which conducted beneficiary validation and profiling for Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), livelihood, and employment programs; the Land Transportation Office, which provided free Theoretical Driving Courses (RDC) and printed Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) certifications; and the Public Attorney’s Office, which offered legal consultations and issued legal affidavits.
PhilHealth assisted the peace advocates with membership registration, updating, and issuance of IDs and Member Data Records. Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Office has offered medical consultations, medicines and vitamins, as well as laboratory and X-ray services. The Philippine Statistics Authority also facilitated National ID registration.
According to Geno Matondo, Social Welfare Officer III and head of the Kagawasan 143 Peace and Development Center of Agusan del Norte, the activity benefited a total of 105 peace advocates.
“A total of 46 female and 59 male peace advocates were served during the one-stop shop, reflecting the province’s sustained efforts toward healing, dignity, and reintegration,” Matondo said.
One of the beneficiaries, who used the alias ‘Inday,’ expressed gratitude for the services she and her family received, describing the activity as a big help. She shared that she is now enrolled in PhilHealth, registered as a voter, and able to access other government services and opportunities, which she never experienced when she was still with the New People’s Army (NPA).
The initiative underscores the provincial government of Agusan del Norte’s unwavering commitment, under Gov. Amante’s leadership and in support of OPAPRU’s national peace agenda, to ensure that peace advocates are provided with accessible, responsive, and dignified government services as they work toward a stable and peaceful life with their families. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
