Reaffirming the Philippine government’s commitment to build resilient and peaceful communities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) continue to bring sustainable and high-impact development projects in conflict-vulnerable areas.
The Php13.8 million housing project was funded by the OPAPRU and was officially turned over to the 50 family-beneficiaries in Barangay Batungan in the town of Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay last April 25.
The initiative falls under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn–Modified Shelter Assistance Program (Pamana-MSAP) which provides structurally sound, eco-friendly shelter units for former members of non-state armed groups (FMNSAGs), victims of armed conflict, and residents in conflict-vulnerable areas.
Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the DSWD’s Peace and Development Group (PDG) said the housing project was complemented by the Department’s cash-for-work (CFW) which was undertaken for the beneficiaries last year while the MSAP units were under-construction.
Through the agency’s Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) – National Program Management Office (NPMO) and Field Office (FO) 9 – Zamboanga Peninsula, the DSWD helped the beneficiaries access temporary employment for 20 days through the CFW.
Each CFW beneficiary earned Php351 daily for their participation in local communal activities or in the construction of their own shelter. The initiative extended immediate livelihood support while encouraging active involvement in community-based project implementation.
According to Undersecretary Tanjusay, the synergy between the DSWD and OPAPRU’s efforts reflects a-whole-of-government approach, a strategy that is always emphasized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr in his speeches.
“That house is a symbol of family, of love and unity between parents and children. It is in that house where you will start teaching the values that will guide the next generation,” Undersecretary Tanjusay said during the turn-over ceremony.
Undersecretary Tanjusay said the activity also aimed to strengthen multi-sectoral partnerships and galvanize broader support to ensure the effective implementation of peace and development efforts in the province.
Tungawan Municipal Mayor Carlnan Climaco, who attended the ceremony, conveyed his community’s gratitude, citing the project is anticipated to boost the peace and development process in their locality.
“From the bottom of our hearts, from the people of Tungawan, we express our sincerest and heartfelt gratitude for this wonderful project,” Mayor Climaco said.
Following the ceremonial turnover, the DSWD Field Office 9 – Zamboanga Peninsula officially launched the PDBBM initiative at the Imperial Hall of Sibugay Hotel in Ipil town. The event served as a platform to orient stakeholders on available programs and services for FMNSAGs and their families.
The launch was attended by various representatives from the Provincial Governments of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte, as well as provincial directors from different regional agencies, expressing their support for the DSWD’s mission to foster inclusive growth and lasting peace. (LSJ)