𝐀 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟓𝟑 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭

24 October 2024 (Leyte) – The Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL), in coordination with the Special Project Team of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU-SPT), led by Ms. Alma Gabin, invited various agencies to provide lectures and share information within their respective mandates to support the sustainability of people’s organizations in promoting self-sufficiency and social cohesiveness. Capacity-building efforts focusing on enhancing financial management and strengthening partnerships with the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and the Department of Agriculture (DA) were part of the meeting’s agenda. OPAPRU’s Transformation Program presented the importance of strengthening these organizations in support of local peacebuilding initiatives.

The National Amnesty Commission (NAC), represented by Atty. Ma. Victoria Cardona, provided a brief background into the government’s amnesty program, recognizing that many participants were former rebels and CNN supporters who had been assisted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under its Community Support Program. These initiatives aim to help people’s organizations disengage from conflict and lead more productive and peaceful lives through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Undersecretary Angelito de Leon of TFBL delivered a message of commitment and encouragement to participants of the People’s Organization Summit, while Captain Ferdinand Buscato, TFBL’s Executive Director, ensured the overall coordination and supervision of the activity.

The Eastern Visayas Peacebuilders Federation encouraged the organizations to reorganize, register, and affiliate with the Eastern Visayas Peace and Build Back Better Federation (EVPBDF) and Uswag Sinirangan Bisayas, the first non-governmental organization (NGO) established for former rebels. Free assistance will be provided in crafting and submitting proposals, in coordination with AFP units within their Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

###

#BagongBuhaySaMapayapangBagongPilipinas