Iloilo pushes for peace engagement initiatives

ILOILO City – The Iloilo provincial government is pushing for the implementation of local peace engagement efforts in pursuit of sustainable peace and development.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. under scored the importance of reaching out to the kasimanwas (com patriots) in addressing developmental gaps in conflict- affected and vulnerable areas.

“The province of Iloilo is very concerned about their development. We’re preparing to do our part in the peace process and have a localized version,” De fens or said in a meeting of the Local Peace Engagement Cluster of the Iloilo Provincial Task Force - End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The province, too, offers help to former rebels and their families reintegrate in the society through providing services such as assistance to individuals in crisis, livelihood training, and development projects in communities.

In terms of job opportunities, Defensor cited the Jobstart Program, employment referral , Government Internship Program, and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers are also available for I long gos who are former rebels.

Local government units, on the other hand, were encouraged to facilitate socio-economic assistance and delivery of basic services in collaboration with other government agencies.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, has tapped the LGUs to continue the implementation programs in conflict-affected barangays such as the Retooled Community Support Program , Support to Barangay Development Program, and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.