21 rebel returnees receive livelihood benefit packages

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, along with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in partnership with local peace partners, has awarded livelihood benefit packages to the 21 former rebels who have recently surrendered.

These rebel returnees are enrolled in the Social Integration Program which is a process whereby they and their dependents are provided a set of interventions to facilitate their integration into mainstream society pursuant to Administrative Order No. 172 promulgated on March 23, 2007 by President Arroyo.

Garcia was assisted by Major General Armando Cunanan, commanding general of the Central Command.

The capital assistance in the form of goods or financial assistance amounted to P50,000 each. This, after a series of consultations on the former rebels’ specific needs and preferences and following government prescribed procurement practices.

The livelihood benefit packages which reached a total amount of P1,050,000 include nine motorcycles, two carabaos, seven cows, a number of goats; P6,000 for piggery, two multicabs; P30,000 for fishpond; P85,000 for the lease of coconut and mango trees; merchandise goods worth P90,000; and P153,000 in cash.

Before the awarding ceremony, the rebel returnees and some members of their family underwent a week of livelihood skills training in effective leadership/effective communication, the challenge of entrepreneurship and marketing, project study/proposal, farm management, group dynamics, self awareness and values orientation; and cattle/hog raising management conducted by a team from the 78th Infantry Battalion, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and the Provincial Veterinary Office.

Last March 13, the 21 former rebels surrendered and turned over 18 high-powered firearms to the 78th IB under the command of Lt. Col. Raymundo Bañares Jr. Earlier, the rebel returnees were awarded by President Arroyo, together with Peace Adviser Avelino Razon Jr., an immediate cash assistance amounting to P20,000 each under the program.

It is hoped that with this set of interventions provided and the continuing active participation and support of all the local peace partners, the former rebels are now in a better position to generate a means of livelihood that would aid them to be integrated back into society and be productive citizens and agents of peace in their respective communities.

Sixteen of these rebel returnees come from Danao City, three from the town of Tuburan, and one each from Carmen and Catmon towns.

It was found out further that the youngest is 22 years old while the eldest is 74 years old. – Johanna T. Natavio/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)