Zamboanga del norte: Some 150 former rebels and residents from conflict-vulnerable communities in Zamboanga del Norte can now start a new life after receiving housing units courtesy of the national government.
According to Philippines News Agency, Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the DSWD's Peace and Development Group (PDG) announced that among the beneficiaries were former members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
"Ngayong araw, itong mga tulong at proyekto na matatanggap ninyo ay hindi lang galing sa pamahalaan - ito ay bunga rin ng inyong pagsisikap. Kaya atin po itong alagaan at pagyamanin (Today, these assistance and projects that you will receive do not only come from the government - these are also fruits of your endeavors. So let's take care of them and enrich them)," Tanjusay said as he read the message of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the official turnover on Wednesday in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte. The project was coordinated with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
The housing units were turned over under the Modified Shelter Assistance Project (MSAP) across six barangays of Sirawai, benefitting some 39 MNLF and MILF members and 111 residents from conflict-vulnerable and affected areas in the town. The beneficiaries also participated in the cash-for-work (CFW) program, where they helped build the houses, with each participant working for 30 days for a daily wage of PHP351.
To further strengthen livelihood opportunities, two livelihood associations - Sipakit and Panabutan - were also provided with seed capital funds under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, empowering conflict-affected communities through sustainable income projects and peace-promoting economic initiatives.
'Ang DSWD, sa liderato ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian, ay mananatiling kasama ninyo - hindi mapapagod, hindi magsasawa, at hindi titigil sa pagsisilbi. Ipagpapatuloy po namin ang pagpapalawak ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa mga lugar na minsang nakaranas ng sigalot, para ang bawat isa ay muling makaramdam ng buhay na matiwasay at puno ng pag-asa (The DSWD, under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, will remain with you - tirelessly, consistently, without stopping to serve you. We will continue the expansion of peace and development in areas that once had experienced discord, so that each one could again have a peaceful life filled with hope),' Tanjusay said.
Zamboanga del Norte Governor Darel Dexter Uy expressed gratitude to the DSWD and OPAPRU for delivering homes that are eco-friendly and able to withstand natural hazards, providing beneficiaries with long-term security.
The ceremony was attended by DSWD Field Office 9 - Zamboanga Peninsula Asst. Regional Director for Operations Ma. Socorro Macaso and the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) National Program Management Office. Representatives from OPAPRU and Zamboanga del Norte provincial and municipal leaders also joined the turnover ceremony.