Manila: The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Sunday said the government's Transformation Program is progressing smoothly and gaining momentum following the recent turnover of PHP11.7 million in socio-economic assistance to former rebel (FR)-led people's organizations (POs) in Region 12.
According to Philippines News Agency, the OPAPRU was able to deliver its socio-economic commitments under the Transformation Program framework in key provinces in Mindanao, specifically in Region 12, as several former rebel people's organizations received seed capital as livelihood assistance. OPAPRU Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento stated in a statement that this effort was part of the government's initiative to support the enterprise development initiatives of former rebels.
This was accomplished as OPAPRU, along with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XII and provincial government units in Region 12, awarded checks and certificates of accreditation to qualified Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Livelihood Program Associations (PLPAs) in the second week of May.
The PHP11.7 million in socio-economic aid was distributed to 37 former rebel organizations organized by former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) across the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. This initiative aims to strengthen the implementation of the OPAPRU's Transformation Program in non-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) areas.
Sarmiento highlighted the significance of this livelihood assistance, stating that it presents an opportunity to strengthen and sustain peace gains in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas. It also supports the successful transformation of former rebels into productive members of their communities in Region 12.
The assistance, provided through provincial government units, is part of a peace framework led by the "provincial local government unit." This framework serves as a roadmap for the reintegration and transformation of former rebels, their families, and communities. The OPAPRU's PAMANA Program National Project Management Office funded the socioeconomic intervention, with the CPP-NPA-NDF Peace Process Office endorsing the eligible FR-led people's organizations for government socio-economic assistance and livelihood support.
In Cotabato province, livelihood projects include agricultural and agri-vet supply enterprises, rice retailing, mini-groceries, and livestock-related ventures such as frozen meat production. Sarangani province implemented a diversified set of activities, including goat raising, general merchandise stores, and rice wholesale operations.
South Cotabato focused on rice retailing, mini-groceries, agri-vet supply, general merchandise, and swine fattening enterprises to boost local community-based economic activities. Sultan Kudarat recorded the largest number of beneficiary associations and livelihood projects, prioritizing agri-vet supply stores, general merchandise businesses, grocery operations, and mixed agri-commercial enterprises, alongside specialized projects like community-based coffee processing and chair-and-table rental services.
Several associations in Kalamansig, Palimbang, Lebak, Esperanza, Columbio, and other municipalities received funding support to establish sustainable income-generating activities. These efforts aim to improve rural productivity, strengthen local trade, and provide economic opportunities for conflict-affected and marginalized communities under the OPAPRU's Transformation and PAMANA Program.
Sarmiento emphasized the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., noting that the goal is not merely ending armed conflict but cultivating a lasting, positive peace. By bringing the government closer to the people through the Transformation Program, the administration aims to demonstrate the benefits of pursuing peace.
