The province of Davao de Oro has achieved national recognition for its outstanding efforts in reintegrating former rebels into civilian life. During the We Strive: E-Clip National Summit held in Manila from November 13 to 14, 2025, the province received both an award and significant funding for its peacebuilding initiatives.
National Honor for Peace Efforts
Under the leadership of Governor Raul Mabanglo, Davao de Oro was honored for its comprehensive reintegration programs that combine government support, community engagement, and development projects. The award recognizes the province's proactive approach to creating lasting peace in the region.
The provincial government received a P5 million grant from the Department of the Interior and Local Government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip). This substantial funding boost will significantly enhance the province's capacity to assist former rebels transitioning back to civilian life.
Halfway House for Sustainable Reintegration
The P5 million grant will be used to construct a Halfway House in Barangay Libasan, Nabunturan. This facility will serve as a temporary residence for former rebels, providing them with a safe and structured environment during their transition period.
The halfway house will offer essential services including skills training, counseling, and community integration programs. These resources are designed to help returnees build productive civilian lives and successfully reintegrate into society.
Governor Mabanglo emphasized the province's commitment, stating: "This government will walk with you, step by step, until you fully reintegrate as empowered, productive members of society."
Comprehensive Support Programs
Davao de Oro has developed extensive programs to ensure former rebels and their families have opportunities to thrive. Through initiatives like Kamustahan sa Barangay and Tunol Serbisyo Para sa Katawhan, the provincial government brings essential services directly to communities previously affected by conflict.
The support system includes:
- Scholarship grants for families of former rebels
- Livelihood programs and organizational support
- Targeted sectoral interventions
- Skills training for sustainable living
Historic Achievement: Insurgency-Free Status
Davao de Oro reached a significant milestone when it was officially declared insurgency-free in June 2022, becoming the first province in the Davao Region to dismantle all New People's Army guerrilla fronts operating within its territory.
The collapse of Guerrilla Front 2, the oldest NPA unit in Mindanao, marked a turning point when its leaders surrendered in Maragusan, Davao de Oro. This success contributed to the entire Davao Region being declared insurgency-free by the end of 2023.
Before these achievements, Mindanao was a stronghold for insurgency, with 30 percent of the country's 55 known insurgent groups operating on the island. Half of these groups were based in the Davao Region, with Davao de Oro accounting for 8 percent.
E-Clip: Building Lasting Peace
The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program provides holistic support to former rebels, including immediate financial assistance, livelihood grants, reintegration aid, and housing. The program is part of the government's broader peace strategy coordinated under Executive Order 70 signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018.
This "whole-of-nation" approach combines security, governance, and socio-economic development to address the root causes of conflict. By providing returnees with financial, psychosocial, and livelihood support, the program strengthens trust between former rebels and the government while reducing the risk of re-recruitment.
Moving Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite significant gains, sustaining peace remains a complex challenge. Reintegration programs sometimes face administrative delays, and communities must continue providing support to ensure long-term success.
The government acknowledges that preventing the resurgence of insurgency requires constant monitoring and continued investment in socio-economic development. The construction of the halfway house in Barangay Libasan represents more than just infrastructure—it symbolizes hope and opportunity for those seeking new lives.
With ongoing support from both the provincial government and the national E-Clip program, Davao de Oro is setting a national example of how former conflict zones can be transformed into thriving, peaceful communities.
