THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), has awarded P9.6 million worth of livelihood assistance to 32 peoples organizations (POs) in North Cotabato province.
The livelihood assistance was released in collaboration with the North Cotabato provincial government in a ceremony at the Capitol Annex Building in Amas village, Kidapawan City on Tuesday, September 5.
The recipient POs are from gographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (Gidas), in which most were former members of underground mass organizations (UGMOs) of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Through the conduct of the Community Support Program (CSP) by the Army’s 39th and 72nd Infantry Battalions of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry Division (ID), as well as 90th Infantry Battalion of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, 6ID, these organizations were coopted and transformed into a pro-government POs and now served as gatekeepers of peace in their respective communities.
Avelino Banquil, Guangan Peace and Development SLP Association president, expressed his gratitude for assistance given to their organization.
“During 80s our community is considered one of the most conflict-affected areas due to encounters between the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and CTGs (Communists Terrorists Groups). But because of the efforts from different government agencies, basic services reached our community that led to its development,” Babquil said.
DSWD’s SLP aims to provide seed capital to organizations to start up a business and guide them towards attaining a stable source of income that addresses the socio-economic issues being used by the NPAs to gain the sympathy of the communities especially in far-flung areas.
The 39IB said that the initiative showcases the “whole-of-nation” approach of the government’s commitment in sustaining a peaceful and progressive communities. (SunStar Zamboanga)