AROUND 25 former rebels in the Province of Davao Oriental recently completed their education, graduating from basic literacy, elementary, and secondary levels.
The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental announced that the graduates completed their studies through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO)-Happy Home, in partnership with the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Schools Division of Mati.
After nearly two months of studying, the graduates celebrated their achievements on December 17, 2024, at Sitio Magay, Don Martin Marundan, Mati City. Among them, seven completed the Basic Literacy Program (BLP), eight graduated from the elementary level, and ten from the secondary level.
Each graduate received financial assistance, including P65,000 under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), P2,880 from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as capital for their National Certificate II in Bread and Pastry Production, and P50,000 from the provincial government to support their livelihood.
“Gipasalamatan usab sa gobernador ang tanang ahensya ug partners nga nagtinabangay aron mapadayon ang mga inisyatiba sa reintegrasyon sa mga kanhi rebelde, pinaagi sa paghatag og serbisyo sama sa edukasyon, trainings, panginabuhian, ug uban pang interbensyon nga makatabang sa ilang pagbalik sa katilingban (The governor expressed gratitude to all agencies and partners who collaborated to sustain initiatives for the reintegration of former rebels. These include providing education, training, livelihood, and other interventions to help them transition back into society)," the provincial government stated in a Facebook post on December 19, 2024.
The Happy Home Program, now in its 11th year since its launch in 2013, continues to provide hope and opportunities for former rebels. Initiated by former Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, the program has been sustained by Governor Nino Sotero L. Uy Jr., ensuring support for reintegration and a brighter future for its beneficiaries. RGP