In line with the Marcos administration’s peace agenda, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to synergize its program and services with other agencies to address the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of conflict-affected communities.
Among these is ensuring that former members of non-state armed groups (FMNSAGs) and their families are given holistic aid to enable them to improve their living conditions and sustain their role in the peace-building process, Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the DSWD’s Peace and Development Group (PDG) told the DSWD-Teleradyo partnership program, “Serbisyong DSWD for Every Juan” on Saturday (May 10).
“Ang pinakapakay talaga ng DSWD sa mga former-rebels na mga kapatid natin ay ma-reintegrate sila sa pamilya at sa kanilang communities para sa panibagong buhay higit sa lahat mag-contribute to nation-building,” Undersecretary Tanjusay told the program anchors.
The PDG undersecretary said the DSWD’s livelihood support under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is part of the services provided to rebel-returnees so they can start anew, and secure viable sources of income to meet their daily needs.
“Nagbibigay tayo ng livelihood assistance. Binibigyan namin sila ng seed capital bilang asosasyon. Ngayon, pag ito ay lumago, dinadagdagan pa natin yan, para naman sa paglago, mas marami pa ang makinabang,” the DSWD official pointed out.
Aside from the seed capital, training and capacity-building initiatives are provided by the DSWD and its partners, giving the beneficiaries complete resources to manage and further steer their businesses to success.
Undersecretary Tanjusay said the DSWD is involved in the creation of sub-projects in communities affected by conflict through the agency’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services or KALAHI-CIDSS.
“Ang pangunahing mga sub-projects natin ay tulay, solar panels, hanging bridge, ito yung mga basic projects na talagang sinusulong natin na maibigay sa mga kababayan natin, lalo na sa mga nasa liblib na lugar,” Undersecretary Tanjusay said.
The DSWD also supports the Modified Shelter Assistance Project (MSAP) which provides structurally sound, eco-friendly shelter units for FMNSAGs, victims of armed conflict, and residents in conflict-vulnerable areas.
Undersecretary Tanjusay emphasized that these efforts are in line with the Philippine government’s flagship peace program called the PAyapa at MAsaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA).
The PAMANA is implemented in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements.
As one of the implementing agencies of PAMANA, the DSWD is keen on addressing economic disparities that often fuel unrest and insurgency, thereby contributing to long-term peacebuilding and community resilience.
“Sinisigurado ng DSWD na kung ano yung kinakailangan sa mga communities ay merong ganyan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga programa na ito ay mananaig ang kapayapaan,” Undersecretary Tanjusay pointed out.
Undersecretary Tanjusay said that under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and the direction set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DSWD will continue to embark on forward-thinking social welfare initiatives to advance the country’s peace and development agenda.
“As long as wine-welcome tayo ng mga grupong ito at ine-embrace nila tayo at pinapahintulutan ay tutulong tayo hanggat nandito tayo,” Undersecretary Tanjusay pointed out.
The ‘Serbisyong DSWD for Every Juan’ is anchored by veteran anchor Alvin Elchico together with Information Officer Bianca Piedad-Tamondong of the DSWD’s Traditional Media Service (TMS). It airs every Saturday from 11 am to 12 noon at DWPM Radyo 630. #