DSWD officials meet with ex-Abu Sayyaf members to improve peace, dev't programs

From GMA News Online (Feb 7, 2024): DSWD officials meet with ex-Abu Sayyaf members to improve peace, dev't programs

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officials met with community leaders and former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Patikul, Sulu, to gather insights aimed at enhancing the government’s peace and development programs.

The DSWD conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews with the rebel returnees on January 30 under the “Balik-Barangay Program," which helps families displaced by armed conflict return to their respective homes.

“Following the instruction of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, we conducted the dialogue that centered on understanding the unique challenges faced by the community and identifying collaborative strategies to address them, anchored on the experiences of the former ASG members and the community leaders,” said DSWD Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay.

"The guide would aid the formulation and implementation of more defined and focused programs and activities for former members of non-state armed groups, aiding their transition back to becoming productive citizens of our country," he said.

The data gathered from the briefing, FGDs, and community visits will serve as input for the enhancement of the current Case Management Guide for Peace and Development Programs by the DSWD.

“The remarkable experience of these community members will provide us with a good overview of how they returned home despite the armed conflict. These will surely help us improve our case management guide to facilitate our clients' eventual healing and mainstreaming for sustained peace and development outcomes,” said Tanjusay.

Apart from the dialogue, the DSWD also visited two former conflict-affected barangays in Patikul that have benefited from the ''Balik-Barangay Program.'' —Sundy Locus/VBL, GMA Integrated News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/896780/dswd-officials-meet-with-ex-abu-sayyaf-members-to-improve-peace-dev-t-programs/story/