Cotabato city: A total of 404 children of decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members received educational assistance on Wednesday, marking a crucial step in their reintegration into society. Each beneficiary was granted PHP25,000 in cash assistance under the Education Assistance Program (EAP), which is part of a broader initiative aimed at supporting their educational journey.
According to Philippines News Agency, these children are among 900 students who will benefit from the education fund for the school year 2024-2025. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has been instrumental in facilitating this support. The financial aid was distributed through the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC) in collaboration with the Mindanao State University (MSU) System.
The distribution event was led by Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Anton Lagdameo Jr. at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex. Galvez emphasized that this educational assistance is part of the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). Since 2022, the EAP has extended support to 2,500 students across Mindanao.
"This activity in Cotabato City aims to support the education of the ex-combatants' children until they complete their bachelor's degrees through educational grants," Galvez stated. The event also saw the presence of BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, highlighting the collaborative effort to ensure the successful reintegration of MILF members and their families into society.
