MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Thirty former rebels in Misamis Oriental are learning how to access government assistance for housing, livelihood, education and social protection as they work to rebuild their lives in their communities.

The provincial government, through its Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), held a government services orientation at Unity Hall on the Provincial Capitol Grounds to introduce the participants to available assistance and eligibility requirements.

The programs include support for solo parents, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and other sectors covered by government social protection services.

For Gregor, one of the former rebels who attended the activity, the chance to live and earn a living freely in his community was his main reason for surrendering—not the promise of government aid.

“I saw the benefits they provided, whether housing or livelihood assistance. In my case, when I surrendered, I was not expecting anything from the government. I only wanted the freedom to live and earn a living in my community,” he said.

The orientation followed an 11-day intervention program under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which ended Oct. 8 at a halfway house in Barangay San Martin, Villanueva.

The program included peace education, values formation, community immersion and livelihood development to help participants adjust to civilian life and reconnect with their communities.

Through E-CLIP, national agencies and local governments coordinate reintegration support for former rebels, including access to social services and opportunities to establish sustainable livelihoods.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and Department of the Interior and Local Government are among the agencies involved in the program.

For the participants, access to these services could help them rebuild their lives. The next step is ensuring they understand which programs they qualify for and how to obtain the assistance available to them.

(With a reports from SHAUN ALEJANDRAE Y. UY/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental, and the Provincial Information Office of Misamis Oriental)