The provincial government is determined to sustain and intensify the gained peace in Davao Oriental by supporting a newly organized group of former rebels who are now considered the government’s peace partners.
During the quarterly ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict) meeting held on November 8 at the 701st Brigade Headquarters in Sitio Magay, Don Martin Marundan, City of Mati, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon met with the officers of the Davao Oriental Former Rebels Association (DOFRA) to listen to the association’s concerns, particularly those involving business as they are now starting to engage in a small income-generating enterprise.
Governor Malanyaon committed that the government will further help the group’s undertakings, especially in implementing various livelihood projects. Aside from its members receiving scores of benefits from the government, their group DOFRA also received assistance in their business endeavors.
During the meeting, the association members were given an opportunity to air their concerns as government stakeholders lay out possible solutions.
ELCAC Action Officer Brigadier General Leopoldo Imbang, Jr. (Ret) expressed his commitment to guiding the association so it could eventually stand independently and become self-sustaining.
“We will not forsake you. We continue to extend help and provide ways to usher you toward your organization’s progress. We will continue to help since you have chosen to trust us,” Brig. Gen. Imbang (Ret.) said.
701st Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oliver Maquiling also expressed his support for the organization as he provided insights about how the organization can thrive.
The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, in collaboration with the Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade, Philippine National Police and the Happy Home, organized DOFRA on March 2022. This is to sustain the peace gained by helping them become genuinely transformed and law-abiding individuals who can be the government’s partners in peace-building.
A federated organization, the DOFRA consists of nine (9) chapters in Municipal Local Government Units (LGUs) and the City of Mati LGU. By Mark Oliver Alvite
