Gov’t housing gives 10 former rebels a fresh start in Agusan Norte
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Ten former rebels (FRs) and their families can now enjoy the security and stability of having their own house after receiving housing units through the joint efforts of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte and its partner agencies.
The assistance provides the beneficiaries with decent and permanent shelter where they can raise their families, pursue livelihood opportunities, and rebuild their lives as they transition into peaceful civilian communities.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-nation approach to peace and development, which emphasizes the convergence of government agencies in addressing the needs of communities affected by armed conflict and helping former combatants and their families transition to productive and peaceful civilian life.
The 10 housing units were turned over on July 7 at Sitio Talaganahaw, Barangay Talo-ao, Buenavista, as part of the government’s continuing reintegration and peacebuilding efforts for former rebels.
Each unit has an 80-square-meter lot and a 38.93-square-meter floor area, with two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and comfort room.
The project was implemented through the Inter-Local Agencies Partnership (ILAP) led by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte under the leadership of Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante.
The provincial government provided P5 million from its General Fund for the construction of the 10 housing units, in support of the Transformation Program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
The local government also allocated P1.9 million for water and electrical connections, installation of posts, and the establishment of a Level III water system.
The project supports the government’s peace and reintegration programs, including the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the program of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) of OPAPRU.
Amante said the housing assistance is part of the provincial government’s continuing efforts to help former rebels and their families rebuild their lives after choosing to abandon armed struggle and return to mainstream society.
“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,” Amante said.
The Philippine Army, through the 544th Engineer Battalion under the 52nd Engineer Brigade, led the construction of the housing units, while other government agencies and local stakeholders provided additional support.
The LGU of Buenavista assisted in food provision for workers and permit processing, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources provided confiscated logs used for trusses and other wood materials. The Philippine National Police provided security for the project.
The Buenavista Water District, Bureau of Fire Protection, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Barangay Talo-ao, and various provincial government offices also contributed manpower, technical expertise, equipment, and other resources.
Construction of the initial 10 housing units started on March 19, 2025, and was completed on November 30, 2025. An additional 21 housing units are now being constructed with funding support from OPAPRU’s PAMANA Program.
For former rebel Alyas Moman, the government’s assistance has helped him rebuild his life in the community. He now manages a seven-hectare farm planted with bananas, coconuts, and vegetables, earning an average monthly income of around P20,000 to support his family.
He also serves under the OPAPRU Special Project Team, helping organize people’s organizations and monitor fellow former rebels in the province.
Moman expressed gratitude to the provincial government and Gov. Amante for the assistance extended to former rebels, saying the peace and improved living conditions he now experiences have encouraged him to convince former companions and relatives to return to the government.
Another beneficiary, Rosel Polinar, a former rebel and now a team leader of the OPAPRU Special Project Team, said the assistance demonstrates the government’s commitment to fulfilling its support for those who have chosen the path of peace.
The housing project also contributes to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach to ending local communist armed conflict by addressing the root causes of insurgency and strengthening government services in conflict-affected communities.
Through the continued convergence of national government agencies, local governments, the security sector, and other stakeholders, the initiative seeks to provide former rebels and their families with basic services, secure homes, livelihood opportunities, and other forms of support needed to rebuild their lives and contribute to peaceful and productive communities. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
