The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity headed by Secretary Carlito Galvez and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Erwin Tulfo recently met to discuss the Social Welfare department’s continuing support to government peace programs and vows to continue to provide aid to former rebels and former violent extremists and their families as well.
Galvez said that the peace office has vetted the agency’s assists government peace efforts in providing a diverse range of cash assistance, livelihood grants and housing assistance to former rebels.
As part of the administration’s commitment to honor the government continuing effort to support former rebels and their respective families, DSWD has also approved an initial amount of P287.95 million for their re-integration into society and nation-building.
According to DSWD’s Inclusive and Sustainable Peace Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay, the allocation includes the construction of 150 shelters in identified barangays in thirteen regions including those in the Zamboanga Peninsula, provision for livelihood grants and assistance for the former rebels and their families.
“This is President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initial commitment to former rebels and former extremists and their families across various spectrums and persuasions including those in hard to reach communities in various regions who returned to live normal, peaceful lives and help in nation-building,” Tanjusay said.