TACLOBAN CITY – They were fighting for lands they can till for their livelihood, but they are getting instead, a home they can call their own, years after going against the government that has long welcomed them back into the folds of the law.
About 278 former rebels, communist supporters and sympathizers finally get their own housing units inside the 120-hectare “Peace and Prosperity Village” in Limite, Daja Daku village in San Isidro town in Leyte during a formal turnover ceremony led by the province of Leyte.
Many of the rebels, who are from various parts of the Leyte province, joined the armed groups due to poverty, lack of opportunities, and land disputes. Giving them homes creates a sense of belonging and security, reducing their motivation to return to the armed conflict.
Melody Paloma, a former rebel who joined the armed group at 13 years old, said it is important that she and her family will now be safe and secure in their own home, thankful that she made the decision to surrender and give her family a normal life.
National Housing Authority-8 Regional Manager Constancio Antiniero said that having a shelter is a right for every Filipino family and granting housing units to former rebels will ensure that their basic needs are well met.
“This is only a one-time opportunity so our call is for all to take care of every housing unit turned over,” Antiniero said.
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Director Arnel Agabe said the government promised benefits like housing, financial assistance, and livelihood programs to the surrendering rebels through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“This is fulfilling that promise and the government’s answer to insurgency has directed a whole-of-nation approach towards a higher objective of achieving just and lasting peace,” Dir. Agabe said.
The Peace and Prosperity Village in San Isidro town is an all-developed subdivision-like community. The village will be equipped with water and power supply lines and drainage systems, among other amenities to provide decent living conditions. The returnees and their families will also enjoy open spaces for community facilities, parking space, parks and playgrounds which will all be developed soon.
(AHLETTE C. REYES, PIA-8)
