Bontoc, Mountain Province – At least 26 former rebels received their Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) of ₱ 20, 000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) on October 5, 2020.
The DSWD-SLP grantees come from the municipalities of Bauko, Besao, Bontoc, Paracelis, Natonin, Sadanga, Sagada and Tadian.
DSWD Usec. for Inclusive and Sustainable Peace Rene Glen O. Paje reiterated to the former rebels that the activity is a proof that they can decide for their own and have aspirations to progress and live peacefully.
He reiterated that many are still being deceived by the CPP-NPA. He cited the youth and some idealists who have for long been beguiled by the rebel group.
“Time will come that recruits will do introspection and will suddenly realize that they have been deceived and brainwashed by the teachings of the communists-terrorist group. Paje added.
He underscored the joint efforts of all national line agencies with LGUs in advocating peace and in convincing rebels to return into the mainstream of society.
Mountain Province, Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan expressed his full support to Paje’s statement on the enhanced government programs for peace and development.
“You should remember that the money you have received is from the national government through the ELCAC which is the program of Pres. Duterte to end the communist insurgency in the country. The amount is not a prize for your surrender. Rather, the amount symbolizes how the government cares for you,” Lacwasan emphasized.
DSWD-CAR OIC Regional Director Leo L. Quintilla assures that these programs of the agency will not be the last especially in this time of COVID-19 but expect more assistance and services in the coming days that its ultimate goal is for the progress of the people.
“The assistance from the government has helped the rebel returnees establish their income generating projects, one of which is organic farming.” he said
The former rebel beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the ELCAC task force members.
(OIC Joe Manzano, RPN DZBS Baguio, credits to Provincial Government of Mountain Province)