Housing project strengthens peace, reintegration efforts of former rebels in Agusan Norte
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The construction of the former rebels’ (FR) housing project in Sitio Talaganahaw, Barangay Talo-ao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte stands as a concrete testament of the government’s commitment to sustainable peace and inclusive development.
Anchored on Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalized the whole-of-nation approach through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the initiative supports key national programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the program on Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
Implemented through an Inter-Local Agency Partnership (ILAP) led by the provincial local government unit (PLGU) of Agusan del Norte, the project brings together national and local government agencies, local stakeholders, and peacebuilding partners to deliver responsive and people-centered interventions for former rebels and their families.
The housing project was conceptualized to support the reintegration of former rebels by providing safe, secure, and dignified shelter, essential in fostering stability, restoring trust in government, and strengthening social cohesion in conflict-affected communities.
The initial phase covered the construction of 10 duplex-type housing units, each with a floor area of 80 square meters, or a combined 160 square meters per structure. The construction began on March 19, 2025 and was completed on November 30, 2025.
The units were built by the 544th Engineer Battalion under the 52nd Engineer Brigade of the Philippine Army, highlighting the military’s vital role in nation-building efforts.
Lieutenant Colonel Allain S. Fuentes, commanding officer of the 544th Engineer Battalion, confirmed that the first batch of housing units is now ready for turnover, pending completion of documentary and administrative requirements.
“We have successfully completed the first 10 housing units and these are now ready for turnover to the beneficiaries. At present, construction of the additional units is ongoing,” Fuentes said.
To further expand the program’s reach, an additional 21 housing units are currently under construction with funding support from OPAPRU’s PAMANA Program, reinforcing the government’s normalization efforts for former rebels.
The housing units will benefit former rebels under the 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, who are currently undergoing reintegration through government peace programs. According to Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, providing housing support is a critical component in ensuring that former rebels and their families can rebuild their lives in a stable and secure environment.
“This housing project is part of our continuing effort to support former rebels within our area of responsibility. It helps ensure that their transition to peaceful civilian life is sustained and meaningful,” Gov. Amante said.
Beneficiaries of the program attested to the life-changing impact of the government’s interventions.
Alyas Moman, a former New People’s Army (NPA) commander and now a Safe Conduct Pass holder, expressed gratitude to the government, particularly to the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Agusan del Norte government information center.
“I am very grateful to the government, especially the province of Agusan del Norte and Governor Amante for their unwavering support,” he said.
Now reintegrated into mainstream society, Moman manages a seven-hectare farm planted with bananas, coconuts, and vegetables, earning an average monthly income of around P20,000, enough to support his family. He also serves under the Special Project Team of OPAPRU, helping organize people’s organizations and monitor fellow former rebels in the province.
He shared that his experience of peace and improved living conditions has encouraged others to return to the fold of the law.
“Because of the peace and better life we are now experiencing, I have encouraged my former companions and relatives to return to the government,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rosel Polinar, also a former rebel and now a team leader of the OPAPRU Special Project Team, highlighted the sincerity of the government in fulfilling its commitments.
“The government is sincere. I truly feel free now that I am under its care. The support of Governor Amante for former rebels like me has been unwavering,” Polinar said.
“It is different when you are under the government’s care, the promises made to you are real,” she added.
For its part, the Philippine Army continues to replicate best practices in reintegration efforts. The 29th Infantry Battalion has already established a similar community known as ‘New Hope Village’ in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, which serves as a model resettlement site for former rebels who have successfully transitioned back into peaceful civilian life.
The New Hope Village demonstrates how convergence among government agencies and strong local partnerships can effectively transform FRs into productive members of society through housing, livelihood, and sustained community support.
As the government, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., continues to scale up its reintegration initiatives, the FR housing project in Buenavista highlights the power of collaboration and convergence in addressing the root causes of conflict, ultimately paving the way for lasting peace and development in Agusan del Norte. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
