59 ‘friends rescued’ in Agusan Norte receive government support to rebuild lives
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Fifty-nine friends rescued or former rebels (FRs) in Agusan del Norte are gaining renewed opportunities to rebuild their lives, restore their livelihoods, and secure a better future for their families through government assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The beneficiaries received cash assistance, food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping mats, kitchenware, groceries, and one sack of rice each during the awarding of E-CLIP assistance packages on October 22.
The assistance aims to address their immediate needs while helping them establish sustainable livelihoods and successfully reintegrate into their communities as peaceful, productive, and active members of society.
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante urged the beneficiaries to use the assistance wisely, particularly the cash support, to develop their livelihoods and improve their families’ living conditions.
She also encouraged them to partner with the provincial government in promoting peace and preventing the recruitment of young people into armed groups.
“Help us become your partners in informing and encouraging others, especially the youth, not to be enticed or deceived by armed groups, but instead choose a peaceful future,” Amante said.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s national peace and development agenda, which emphasizes inclusive growth, improved access to basic services, livelihood opportunities, and strengthened local governance as essential measures to address the root causes of insurgency and achieve lasting peace.
It is also aligned with Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalized the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), emphasizing coordinated efforts among national government agencies, local government units, security forces, and other stakeholders to address the underlying causes of armed conflict and promote sustainable peace and development.
The provincial government of Agusan del Norte continues to strengthen E-CLIP and its Transformation Program implementation, in partnership with concerned government agencies, to ensure the safety, welfare, and successful reintegration of FRs into their communities.
The provincial government implemented the initiative through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) providing food packs and other essential supplies, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and other partner government agencies.
Through the Whole-of-Nation Approach, the provincial government and its partners continue to provide returning individuals with opportunities to rebuild their lives, restore family relationships, develop sustainable livelihoods, and contribute positively to their communities.
The initiative underscores that lasting peace goes beyond ending armed conflict. It requires sustained government support, inclusive development, community acceptance, and meaningful opportunities for individuals and families to move toward a more secure, peaceful, and productive future. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from the Province of Agusan del Norte)