Dawn of a New Beginning

Davao de Oro Province--- After submitting to the hands of law, 58 former rebels from the Province of Davao de Oro were given the chance of a brand new start for a better life. Through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) with the partnership of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) these former rebels received Livelihood and Financial Assistance amounting to Php 65,000 each to start anew.

The granting of the assistance were attended by Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, DILG Provincial Director Noel Duarte, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Josephine Frasco, together with the Battalion Commanders of the 71st, 66th, 60th, 25th and 1001st Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Provincial Government of Davao de Oro with the DILG and Philippine Army were grateful for having the fourth batch of former rebels given with assistance who voluntarily submitted themselves without any form of coercion from the government, choosing a new path for themselves and their families.

The E-CLIP doesn’t solely focus on granting financial assistance to former rebels, various government agencies were collaborating to cater the needs of our brothers and sisters.

Among agencies who will take part for a brand new beginning is the Department of Education (DepEd) who will cater individuals who wanted to go back on track and finish schooling, TESDA will also offer skills training  for both men and women and grant them certificates to be used for work and will be facilitated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will  also assist them in reviving their lands in the high fields helping them to cultivate high value crops for a better income.

"Dako among pasalamat sa inyuhang commitment ug kay inyuha napod na recognize ang atung gobyerno ubos sa lidirato ni President Rodrigo Duterte, nga kitang tanan mag-usa na. Kining assistance tabang kini gikan sa gobyerno alang sa inyuha ug sa inyuhang mga pamilya kay among gihatagan ug dakong kabug-aton ang inyung pamilya isip maka-benepisyo," said Governor Uy.

The granting of Livelihood and Financial Assistance is just the first step of the over-all plan of the government towards helping our brothers and sisters with the new chapter they're making. With this continuing success, peace is ensured and Davao de Oro will move further towards progress and soon become an insurgence free province.

 (Jasteen Abella, ID DAVAO DE ORO)