The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) Program, in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), inaugurated and turned over 75 units of the Modified Shelter Assistance Project (MSAP) on May 13, 2026, in Jatian village, Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.
Project Background
The MSAP is implemented under the PDBBM Program in coordination with OPAPRU. It is part of the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (Pamana), the national government's flagship convergence program for conflict-vulnerable and conflict-affected communities. Pamana aims to strengthen peace-building initiatives, improve access to government services, and promote sustainable development in areas affected by armed conflict.
Shelter Assistance Details
The MSAP provides environment-friendly and structurally strong shelter units for returnees, armed-conflict victims, and families living in conflict-vulnerable and disaster-prone areas. For Calendar Year 2024, OPAPRU funded the construction of 75 housing units in Jatian village, benefiting 75 families from vulnerable communities. The DSWD-Zamboanga Peninsula noted that the project was implemented to provide safe, durable, and environment-friendly shelter assistance to conflict-affected families.
Additional Support
Aside from housing, beneficiaries were provided temporary employment through the Cash-for-Work Program during the construction phase. The inauguration and turnover were attended by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, representatives from OPAPRU, the Office of Governor Darel Dexter Uy, Congressman Adrian Michael Amatong, the Western Mindanao Command, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Government of Sibuco, and DSWD-Zamboanga Peninsula office.
Serbisyo Karaban
A "Serbisyo Karaban" was also conducted on May 13, bringing essential services closer to the community. Partner agencies included the Municipal Civil Registrar Office for birth and marriage registration, the Municipal Agriculture Office for vegetable seed distribution, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office for fruit-bearing tree seedlings, the Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative for electrical membership registration, and the Rural Health Unit for free medical consultations and medicines.
