DILG-Davao Distributes P12 Million in Aid to Former Rebels Under ECLIP

DAVAO CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government in the Davao Region (DILG-11) has provided PHP12 million in assistance to hundreds of former communist rebels in 2022 through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

According to Philippines News Agency, the DILG-11 regional director, during a press briefing on Tuesday, the funds were allocated across several categories of support for the former rebels (FRs). Immediate assistance accounted for PHP2.19 million, livelihood assistance totaled PHP6.2 million, and reintegration assistance amounted to PHP3.67 million. Matalam detailed the distribution of funds among the provinces: Davao del Norte received PHP5.7 million; Davao City, PHP4.3 million; Davao Oriental, PHP1.2 million; Davao de Oro, PHP674,000; and Davao del Sur, PHP122,000. “Through ECLIP, the DILG-Davao del Norte Provincial Office also handed over financial and livelihood assistance to 65 FRs in the province,” Matalam noted during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum.

The regional director also mentioned that DILG-11 is currently awaiting the release of new ECLIP funds for this year, with PHP2.2 million expected for the first quarter and an additional PHP8.2 million for the second quarter.

In addition to financial support, Matalam reported that 1,162 villages had received a basic orientation course for newly elected officials to ensure they are adequately prepared to fulfill their duties effectively.