E-CLIP Recognized as a Key Contributor to Peace in Mindanao
Quezon City, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Alan A. Tanjusay expressed confidence in achieving peace in Mindanao under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership, emphasizing the role of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other initiatives.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tanjusay, during a media forum at the DSWD Central Office, highlighted the success of E-CLIP, noting the increasing number of former rebels (FRs) and former violent extremists (FVEs) who have surrendered to reintegrate into society. E-CLIP’s socio-economic interventions, including financial assistance and cash-for-work opportunities, have been pivotal in this process. Beneficiaries include former members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and extremists from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). As of November 23, 2023, the DSWD has served 907 ex-MNLF members, disbursing about PHP40 million.
Furthermore, the DSWD recently provided cash grants to 322 former ASG members, assisting them with seed capital and emergency cash to reintegrate into their communities. Tanjusay attributed the rebellion largely to poverty and lack of education, making these individuals susceptible to recruitment. The DSWD, in coordination with local government units and agencies like the DHSUD, TESDA, and DOH, has been instrumental in offering necessary interventions to FRs, FVEs, and their families.
From 2015 to 2023, DSWD served 26,132 decommissioned combatants, disbursing PHP2.6 billion, with 6,142 remaining targets. Tanjusay believes that the initiative, spearheaded by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and aligned with President Marcos’s goal for peace in Mindanao, will be highly successful. Plans are underway to establish three Peace and Development Regional Project Management offices in regions 9, 11, and 12 to bolster the capacity of the DSWD in delivering peace programs in these areas.