ILOILO – In a renewed push for peace and reintegration in insurgency-cleared areas, nine former rebels in this province have received livelihood settlement grants totaling ₱180,000 under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
The initiative, aligned with Executive Order No. 70 and the national government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), aims to support the transition of former insurgents to peaceful and productive civilian lives.
Each beneficiary was awarded ₱20,000 in financial assistance to fund proposed livelihood activities such as livestock production, farming, and micro-enterprise ventures.
Eight of the recipients were formally awarded their grants on June 18, 2025, in a turnover ceremony held at Camp Monteclaro in Barangay Igtuba, Miag-ao, Iloilo. The event was hosted by the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and led by its commanding officer, Lieuten ant Colonel Arturo Balgos Jr., together with representatives from the DSWD-SLP.
On the same day, another former rebel received his grant in the municipality of Janiuay, with local officials and DSWD personnel present, including Sangguniang Bayan member Felizardo Amigable Jr., representing Mayor Paulino Parian.
DSWD-6 emphasized that the livelihood support forms part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which offers socio-economic aid to help former rebels reintegrate into mainstream society and reduce the risk of recidivism.
“This is not just about giving money. It’s about restoring dignity, building livelihoods, and creating lasting peace in communities that were once disrupted by armed conflict,” said DSWD personnel involved in the distribution.
The initiative was carried out in partnership with the Iloilo Provincial Government led by Gov. Arthur R. Defensor Jr., chairperson of the E-CLIP Committee, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, local MSWDOs, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and various civil society organizations.
Authorities said this multi-agency effort underscores the government’s commitment to reintegration programs that empower individuals and contribute to long-term community development across Western Visayas./PN