LAGAWE, Ifugao – Rebels from the province who returned to mainstream society were provided with more than P1.4 million worth of assistance.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Asec. Joseline Niwane handed the assistance to the recipients from Aguinaldo, Asipulo, and Tinoc during the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program awarding ceremony here recently.
Each of the 71 beneficiaries received a check worth P20,000 under the Sustainable Livelihood Program through the Livelihood Settlement Grant of the DSWD.
Niwane enjoined the recipients to use the financial assistance wisely.
“The government is doing its best to help you and we hope also that you will do your part as recipients for your own good as well as your families,” Niwane said.
She also called on rebels who are still in the mountains to abandon the armed struggle and live a peaceful and normal life while the administration is willing and ready to embrace them.
“We are ready to support the programs and initiatives of the government that promote social development,” DSWD-Cordillera Director Leo Quintilla added.
DSWD is one of the key agencies in the whole-of-nation approach to end insurgency in the country.
Local officials led by Gov. Jerry Dalipog also encouraged the former rebels to use the assistance for their chosen livelihood project to improve their lives and to help in community and nation building. – Marcelo B. Lihgawon
