The Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to support the advancement of the peace and development agenda of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental with the turnover of five completed sub-projects under the agency’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Peace and Development Program in the Municipality of Hinoba-an.

These projects address critical community needs by providing essential infrastructure and services that foster sustainable development and stability, according to Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the DSWD’s Peace and Development Group (PDG).

During the official turnover ceremony at the People’s Pagbana-ag Activity Center in Hinoba-an on March 11, beneficiaries shared testimonies on how the PAMANA Peace and Development initiatives have empowered their communities by enhancing citizen participation, transparency, and accountability.

Municipal Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias expressed his gratitude to the DSWD for their continued support, emphasizing the impact of these projects in addressing local insurgency.

“These projects in Bacuyangan, Alim, Asia, San Rafael, and Damutan are a big help to us, especially in our efforts to end armed conflict,” Mayor Reliquias said.

A pledge of commitment was made by the five barangays to ensure proper maintenance and monitoring of the turned-over projects, reinforcing their collective effort to sustain progress spearheaded under the PAMANA Peace and Development Program.

Prior to the turnover event, the DSWD team, led by Undersecretary Tanjusay, paid a courtesy visit to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol on March 10.

Governor Lacson reiterated the need for sustained peacebuilding efforts, highlighting economic empowerment as a key factor in breaking the cycle of conflict and dependency.

“Without peace, there can be no genuine development. Our goal is to build lasting stability so communities can thrive,” Undersecretary Tanjusay said.

As part of this commitment, discussions focused on the PAMANA LGU-led livelihood program, which provides Php300,000 per cycle for up to three years to support conflict affected and vulnerable communities in establishing sustainable enterprises.

The program includes business training, financial management, and proposal development workshops to equip beneficiaries with skills for long-term self-sufficiency.

The DSWD also emphasized its commitment to infrastructure development, including the construction of road networks and farm-to-market access roads to improve economic opportunities in geographically isolated areas. Peace education modules are also being integrated into community programs to promote reconciliation and social cohesion.

DSWD officials also met with Mayor Reliquias at the Municipal Office of Hinoba-an to discuss additional community needs.

The municipal government formally requested housing projects for FRs and conflict-affected families, expansion of farm-to-market roads, and enhancement of livelihood programs.

Despite this limitation, the Department remains committed to providing livelihood and development initiatives for former rebels and conflict-affected communities.

Alongside key agencies, the DSWD will continue supporting the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental in promoting peace and inclusive growth in the province.

Through continued collaboration and strategic investments in livelihood, infrastructure, and capacity-building programs, the province aims to create lasting opportunities for FRs and vulnerable sectors, ensuring a future of stability, resilience, and shared prosperity.