In line with the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program and Community-Based Services Section, recently led the distribution of Livelihood Settlement Grants (LSG) to 71 “Friends Rescued,” or former rebels, in the provinces of Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental on May 30 and 31, 2024.

Each of the identified “Friends Rescued” received a grant worth Php 20,000 for their individual livelihood projects. Additionally, cash assistance worth Php 3,000 each was provided under the Community-Based Services Section to aid in meeting their basic needs.

Davao del Norte Acting Governor Hon. De Carlo “Oyo” L. Uy, together with DSWD Protective Services Chief Gemma D. Dela Cruz, led the event at Bahay Pag-asa, Asuncion, Davao del Norte, on May 30, 2024. Meanwhile, DSWD XI Regional Director Atty. Vanessa B. Goc-ong spearheaded the payout at Happy Homes, Mati City, Davao Oriental, on May 31, 2024.

One of the beneficiaries of the program, alias ‘Sam,’ aged 29 from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, who spent eight years as a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, extended his gratitude to the government and encouraged his fellow FRs to use their livelihood grants wisely, along with all other assistance from the government.

“Para sa akong mga kaubanan, manghinaot ko nga gamiton nato kini sa ensaktong paagi, kauban na ang uban pang tabang nga ihatag sa gobyerno. Dili kita mawad-an og paglaom, kay ania ang gobyerno, andam mutabang kanato. Daghang kaayong salamat. [To my colleagues, I hope that we will use this in the right way, along with the other assistance provided by the government. Let us not lose hope because the government is here, ready to help us. Thank you very much],” Sam said.

This effort aligns with the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, or “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and Directing Adoption of a National Framework.”

This initiative is in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Provincial Governments of Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental, aiming to build economic opportunities for former rebels through livelihood assistance and other social services. (DSWDXI/RADM)

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