OPAPRU rolls out program to aid ex-rebels in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26, 2023): OPAPRU rolls out program to aid ex-rebels in Mindanao (By Che Palicte)

DAVAO CITY – The Area Management Unit of Eastern Mindanao of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said it has capacitated various local government units (LGUs) as it implements the Transformation Program (TP) -- an initiative directed at helping former rebels integrate better into the mainstream society.

OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao Director Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña said the success of the TP Planning Workshops in Regions 10, 11 and 12 from March to June this year have been instrumental in formulating concrete plans to support former rebels in their journey toward sustainable reintegration into society.

She pointed out that TP has been a critical component of the peace-building initiatives under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Through the program, we are paving the way for genuine peace and reconciliation in Mindanao by empowering former rebels (FRs) to rebuild their lives and become positive change catalysts within their communities," she said.

To date, the OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao said it has strengthened the capacities of regional and provincial task forces regarding conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting local peace engagement through the adoption of peace-building approaches for effective TP program implementation.

"Our tireless efforts have strengthened the capacities of regional and provincial task forces for the effective implementation of the TP. This empowerment enables them to make informed decisions and execute strategies that foster lasting peace,” Lapiña said.

She noted that LGUs have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to develop their customized plans for TP implementation.

"We have worked hand-in-hand with several LGUs, providing them with the technical know-how to develop their customized plans for the TP implementation at their level,” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206458