The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Lope Santos III has urged former rebels to cooperate with the government to promote development and address poverty in their communities.

Santos made the statement after leading the distribution of financial assistance worth 10,000 pesos each to former rebels, who are now referred to as “peace advocates.” The activity took place at the headquarters of the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company in Brgy. Curva, Pamplona, Cagayan. A total of 193 peace advocates from different parts of Cagayan received assistance totaling nearly 2 million pesos, sourced from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 2.

The aid was given under the program “Handog Pag-asa,” which was developed by the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Cagayan Police Provincial Office, with support from the NAPC, DSWD, and Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 2.

The DA also distributed free vegetable seeds to those who have returned to the government. Representing DA Regional Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino, George Caday, Regional Organic Agriculture Program Focal Person advised the peace advocates to form an association to make it easier to access government assistance and other services.

Meanwhile, Santos emphasized that many opportunities were lost due to years of armed struggle. He said that now that former rebels have abandoned armed conflict, they should take advantage of government programs to overcome poverty—one of the main reasons some were encouraged to stage uprisings and join insurgent groups.

According to Santos, the program aims to show former rebels that the government has concrete actions to address social problems, particularly poverty. It also seeks to help former rebels start a new life and become partners of the government in sustaining peace and development in their communities.

DSWD Regional Director Lucia Alan said the financial assistance is a symbol of collaboration among various government agencies. She encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds properly to lift themselves out of poverty.

Meanwhile, PBGen Mariano Rodriguez, PNP Region 2 Regional Director, said peace is the key to development and that government agencies are working together to advance the welfare of every citizen.

via Dr. Ferdinand Cortez