Nine people's livelihood project associations (PLPAs) in the Davao Region have recently received a total of PHP 2.7 million in funding for socio-economic ventures under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, which is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Funding Distribution
Each of the nine beneficiary organizations received a check worth PHP 300,000. The recipients include Kauban sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan PAMANA Livelihood Association, Muslim Community Development PAMANA Association, Davao United Bangsamoro PAMANA Livelihood Association, Davao City Bangsamoro PAMANA Livelihood Association, Sirawan Kagan PAMANA Livelihood Association, Bangsamoro Community Development PAMANA Livelihood Association, Davao Muslim Kagan PAMANA Livelihood Association, Sirawan Bangsamoro Women’s PAMANA Livelihood Association, and Sirawan Women’s Boracay Fisherfolk PAMANA Livelihood Association.
Program Background
The funding was provided by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). PAMANA is a flagship government program aimed at promoting sustainable peace, inclusive development, and socio-economic transformation in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities.
OPAPRU had endorsed 23 people's organizations to DSWD for PAMANA funding, and the initial nine PLPAs received the first batch of funding releases, which mostly went to Bangsamoro organizations based in Davao City.
Local Government Support
Boston Municipal Mayor Rowell F. Rosit, representing the people's organization of former rebels based in the Municipality of Boston, Davao Oriental, urged the recipient organizations to make the most of the financial assistance from the national government, which has made efforts to deliver services directly to target communities.
“Magtinabangay kamo ug suportahan ang paningkamot sa gobyerno. Sila na gyod ang miduol sa atoa [You work together and support the government for its efforts. They are the ones who come to us to help],” he said during the turnover ceremony held at the DSWD XI regional office.
DSWD Perspective
DSWD XI Regional Director Dr. Rhuelo D. Aradanas described the PAMANA funding as the capital for a “dream for a better livelihood, trust, peace, and resilience.”
“Nawa’y nagsisilbing palaala ang pagtitipon ito na ang kaunlaran ay mas nagiging makabuluhan kapag walang naiiwan at ang kapayapaan ay mas tumitibay kapag sama-samang ipinaglaban,” he said, meaning “May this gathering serve as a reminder that development becomes more meaningful when no one is left behind, and peace grows stronger when it is defended together.”
OPAPRU Encouragement
OPAPRU Director IV, Atty. Eliza Evangelista-Lapina of the Local Conflict Transformation-Field Implementation Support Unit, praised the resolved spirit of former rebels and decommissioned combatants to live transformed lives and improve their livelihoods for their families.
“You have shown that real transformation is possible. You have proven that you are no longer bound by your past but are now guided by the decisions you make and the future you wish to build for your families and communities,” she said.
“Hindi na FR o decommissioned combatant ang turing sa inyo. Kayo na ngayon ay mga negosyante, mga ama at ina ng tahanan, at mga lider ng inyong komunidad,” she added, meaning “You are no longer considered former rebels or decommissioned combatants. You are now entrepreneurs, fathers and mothers of the home, and leaders of your community.”
Recipient's Call for Unity
Representing the recipients, PLPA President Hayria D. Obid rallied support from all leaders of PLPAs to guide their members with “nurturing patience” to avoid conflict that could lead to disintegration, which often happens to people's organizations that receive a windfall of financial support.
“Kinahanglan nga i-apply nato ang pasensya sa atong mga miyembro aron dili magkawatak watak, kay usa na siya sa hinungdan, nganong magwatak-watak, kay dili nagkasinabot. Dapat naa jud permanente ang pasensya,” she said, meaning “We need to apply patience to our members so we won’t disintegrate. One of the reasons why organizations disintegrate is misunderstanding. So we should always be patient.”
