Monday, January 05, 2009 Social integration program for rebel returnees launched
TO BETTER respond to the challenge of protecting and advancing the social status of former rebels, the Kalinga Provincial Government created a committee to oversee the implementation of a social integration plan for them.
Created with the assistance of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (Opapp) through the National Social Integrated Committee (NCSI), the Kalinga Social Integration Committee (Kasic) is aimed to oversee and ensure the efficient and effective implementation of a social integration plan for rebel returnees in pursuit of lasting peace and development in the province.
During its formal launch, the program was attended by different peace representatives from the province, led by Kalinga Governor Floydelia Diasen; Senior Superintendent Arni Deam Emock, officer-in-charge of the Kalinga Provincial Police Office; members of the Philippine Army; and benefited rebel returnees from the different provinces of the Cordillera.
The program launching was held at the Tabuk Pastoral Center in Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga.
The launching program was graced by Bishop Renato Abibico, as representative of the Kalinga-Apayao Religious Sector Association (Karsa), and followed by a program orientation of the participants by Social Integration Program Action Officer Arbee Talastas from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (Opapp), who presented the different programs and services intended for rebel returnees integrated to the mainstream of the society.
A psychosocial profiling and appraisal of livelihood and needs assessment of former rebel returnees was also conducted by personnel of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
Participating rebel returnees were likewise given medical examination under the supervision of Dr. Amelia Miranda and members of the Kalinga Medical Association.
The following morning, participating former rebels were oriented by the different heads of agencies, such as the Office of the Kalinga Planning and Development Office, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the Cooperative Development Authority and the PSWDO.
The orientation activities were focused on the programs of each agency in line with the programs intended for rebel returnees and their dependents to provide and facilitate socio-economic interventions pursuant to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Administrative Order (AO) 172.
During the program, Emock also told former rebels about the program under the leadership of National Police Chief Jesus Verzosa, including the duties of law enforcers in the implementation of the program. (ENO)
