In the continuous effort to gain sustainable peace and development in the province, the provincial government of Davao Oriental has been organizing groups of former rebels by turning them into thriving People’s Organizations.
Yesterday, the province formally organized the Davao Oriental Former Rebels Association (DOFRA) – Mati City Chapter at the Capitol Covered Court. Today’s activity was participated by 24 Former Rebels residing in the different barangays in the City of Mati. The group with almost 50 members has also elected their new set of officers.
The initiation of the FR Organizations has already started on January 25 for the Tarragona Chapter while the program will continue on January 28 for the Banaybanay Chapter. The province aims to organize 11 chapters in all 11 LGUs of the province .
The newly initiated program bids to benefit former rebels and give them an active role in peacebuilding. The creation of the association seeks to provide further support to the Former Rebels by helping them in their livelihood and make them part of the economic development in their respective communities.
The program is also in line with the President’s Executive Order No. 70, which aims to respond to the issues encountered by the FRs and improving their livelihood with the constant support of the government including the assistance from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
Through the program, the government aims to earn the trust and cooperation of the former rebels, preventing them to go back to their old ways.
Alias Doming, who served as a former national supply officer of the CPP-NPA-NDF, was elected the chairman of DOFRA Mati City Chapter. He expressed his gratefulness for the transformation in his life after he surrendered. He also shared that he is optimistic that the organization of the FRs will further enhance the state of their livelihood and help members, especially in difficult times.
Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) Vice-Chairman Ednar G. Dayangharing encouraged the former rebels to be diligent in their work, especially in investing and spending their money.
Meanwhile, food packs and other social services were also handed out to the FRs through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). The office also pledged to distribute another P20,000 each to the Association members.
Present during the activity were RSW-ECLIP Focal Person Marlyn Casibua, Civil Military Operations Officer of the 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army Captain Arthur Garidan, Jr. and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the City of Mati LGU. By Mark Alvite
