Indeed, the province of Davao Oriental is now considered as a model in the successful implementation of the Expanded-Comprehensive Local Integration Program, as proven with the local government units coming to the province to benchmark on the best practices of the province in the sustainability of peace and order.

On September 20, 2018, two more provinces – the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Occidental Mindoro came over with the ardent desire to see for themselves how the program is being implemented, to replicate the said best practice in their respective provinces.

Showcasing such successful implementation is the establishment of a Halfway House Processing Center, or the Happy Home for former rebels, where they will undergo rehabilitation and prepare them in their eventual comeback to the mainstream of society.

Governor Mario Gene Mendiola of Occidental Mindoro admitted that he led the group in their benchmarking after Davao Oriental is known to be a best implementor of the program, being the best province in the country to put up the said facility.

“I want to see how you do it here. I’ve heard of your good practices and I want to replicate it in my province. That’s why the long travel was not a hindrance in coming here. One good thing in Davao Oriental is that the anti-insurgency program does not stop in the surrender of the rebels, but even beyond, with the opportunities given to them to start life anew,” he said.

The Governor was candid enough to admit the presence of the lawless elements in his province, and he intends to address this, through the things that they will learn from the benchmarking. 

Mendiola furthered that through this, he will not be wasting the funds of the government.

In her message, Misamis Occidental Governor Herminia Ramiro said that the benchmarking made by the two provinces to the best examples shown by Davao Oriental is a vivid manifestation of the good governance that Davao Oriental is showcasing.

While the fact remains that insurgency is a perennial problem, Misamis Occidental wants to focus on this problem, as the province is cognizant to the need of providing their former rebels with the very needed support that includes skills training, among others.

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang is elated with the continuous commendations and recognitions made by other local government units to the way how Davao Oriental found the path to counter the problem on peace and order.

“I really hope you can also successfully implement the program in your respective provinces. The program on the rehabilitation of the former rebels through the Happy Home started during the time of then Governor and now Congresswoman Cora Malanyaon. When I assumed as Governor, I continued the program, seeing its necessity for the former rebels. And we made some innovations, like the Nagkakaisang Lingkod Bayan ng Davao Oriental where services of the different departments from the provincial government, local government units, and national line agencies are delivered to the far-flung barangays,” he explained.

Dayanghirang reiterated that Davao Oriental’s most effective way to sustain and strengthen peace and order is to bring the services closer to the people, bring the services right to where they are to see and feel that the government is really working for them.

In the benchmarking program held at the Provincial Tourism Complex, two former rebels gave their testimonies to their struggle in the movement, and how they finally decided to return to the folds of the law.

14 former rebels also received their check as financial assistance after surrendering also their firearms.

After the brief benchmarking program, the visitors were led to the Happy Home, with company from the DILG Davao Oriental Provincial Office led by Provincial Director Yvette-Tolentino Sunga, Happy Home Manager Emalyn Oliveros, 701st Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Rodolfo Lavadia, Jr., Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office Deputy Director Police Supt. Joel Ada, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Sarah Gudes, and Provincial Tourism Officer Mr. Miguel Trocio.

Visitors from Occidental Mindoro also included Ulyses Ferraren, DILG Provincial Director, Rosalina Lamoca, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Mr. Lester Angelo de Jesus, and Mr. Robert Jordan.

Representing Misamis Occidental Governor Herminia Ramiro was Adora May Ugot, E-Clip Prov’l Focal Person, LTC Ryan Severo, Commanding Officer, 10th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army, Pol. Supt. Emmanuel Hebron, PNP Provincial Director, Jay Niel Anasco, DILG E-CLIP Focal Person, Lorellie Yee, OIC-PSWDO, and Brenda Medalla, PSWDO E-CLIP Focal Person.

DILG-Davao Oriental Provincial Director Sunga also stressed that the program was a real challenge when started, but with the dedication and convergence of efforts, Davao Oriental was able to make it, and that other provinces can also achieve the same.

“The E-CLIP program is also an avenue for the prevalence of an inclusive growth, also taking into consideration the sector of the former rebels by giving them new and beautiful opportunities in life,” she concluded. Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan