SPECIAL GEOGRAPHIC AREA — Saturday, April 13, marked a historic milestone among the residents of the Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following the creation of the new eight municipalities. (more…)
BRGY. KABASALAN, PIKIT CLUSTER II, SGA BARMM — In a show of unity and commitment to promoting education and peace-building, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) through the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC), together with the secretariats of the Government Peace Implementing Panel (GPIP) and the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), spearheaded on March 6 the turn-over of a recently renovated Madrasah here.
This collaborative effort is among the initiatives under the Brigada Madrasah Project, which is in line with the 10th year anniversary celebration of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). (more…)
PICC, PASAY CITY– The Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) agreed to adopt the Localized Normalization Implementation (LNI) as part of national government-led strategies to ramp up the implementation of programs and other interventions that will benefit former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.
The LNI concept was introduced during the 11th ICCMN meeting on Tuesday, March 19, wherein the body also discussed the status of several pending issues it needs to review and resolve.
PICC, PASAY CITY – Former rebels and decommissioned combatants will now have access to vital health services under the Department of Health’s (DOH) Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP).
This, after the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the DOH signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Monday, March 4, this city, which formalized their partnership to implement the initiative.
Support to peacebuilding efforts
The implementation of conflict-sensitive health programs such as the one to be carried out by OPAPRU and DOH through the MOA, will allow both agencies to work together to provide recipients with much-needed health services.
It is also seen to strengthen the government’s peacebuilding efforts, as it sends a clear and strong signal that it is determined to improve the lives of the beneficiaries and support their journey towards their complete and meaningful transformation.
The provision of socioeconomic assistance and services is among the key components of the Transformation and Normalization Programs that seek to sustain and build on the gains of the comprehensive Philippine peace process.
The Transformation Program is a community-driven intervention that is being implemented in parallel with the Local Peace Engagement (LPE) initiative, which aims to uplift the socioeconomic conditions of former rebels, their families, and communities.
On the other hand, the Normalization Program, which is under Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), is designed to help decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants return to mainstream society as peaceful and productive citizens.
Synergy of efforts
In his remarks during the signing ceremony, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., underscored that “health and peace must go together.”
Galvez noted that aside from the annual budget allocation of Php 58.8 million that has been allotted under OPAPRU’s budget to fund the PhilHealth premiums of former rebels and decommissioned combatants, the MOA bolsters the provision of healthcare and other medical services to the beneficiaries.
“There are more or less 40,000 former rebels and CPP-NPA [members]na nagbalik loob na sa atin. There are also 727 na mga dating [NPA] Rejectionist Group in the areas of Aklan, Regions 6 and 7, and Davao na magiging beneficiaries na po nito,” he explained.
Under the MAIFIP, the beneficiaries will be able to avail of health services in public hospitals throughout the country with financial and medical assistance provided by the national government.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Paz V. Pecson-Corrales, OPAPRU consultant, noted that “It has always been the end goal of our offices to help those in need in whatever ways we can provide. And through our collective efforts by signing this Memorandum of Agreement between our offices, we will achieve so much more.”
“The MAIFIP has been a program that transcends the concept of extending a helping hand…lives have changed for the better because of this initiative. Families were saved, ailments were cured, [and] assistance was given to those who need it most,” Corrales added.
A dream come true
In his message, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa shared that the joint initiative has long been envisioned by the DOH and OPAPRU and has now finally come into fruition.
According to Herbosa, the MOA is a realization of the national government’s commitment to provide much-needed medical assistance to former rebels and decommissioned combatants.
“Through this MOA, we can provide the medical and financial needs of former rebels…Pilipino rin sila and they are entitled to the assistance of the government, especially of the Department of Health. Para maramdaman nila ang kalinga ng gobyerno, [para maramdaman] ng bawat Pilipino ang kalusugan,” Herbosa said.
For his part, Galvez noted that the collaborative effort between the DOH and OPAPRU is a significant step in addressing the health concerns of beneficiaries and improving their overall well-being.
“Ito ay isa sa mga susi na pwede nating ibigay sa ating mga decommissioned combatants,” he said.
“With this signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, we will be able to improve the delivery of healthcare services. We will be able to effectively address the health conditions of our beneficiaries, especially those who need vital medication or other forms of treatment,” Galvez stressed. ###
SUMISIP, BASILAN — As a testament of his unwavering commitment to bring greater peace, security and stability to this once conflict-ridden island province, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Saturday, March 2, led the smelting of 550 surrendered firearms. (more…)
Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi (29 February 2024) — In a bid to improve residents’ access to reliable renewable energy sources and boost the island-province’s economy, top national, provincial and donor agency officials launched on Thursday, February 28, two solar PV diesel hybrid power plant projects in the coastal communities of Sibutu and Sitangkai.
The launching ceremony was led by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi, Department of Energy, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). (more…)
PASAY CITY– The Philippine Senate on Wednesday, February 21, expressed its full support to the amnesty proclamations issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for members of revolutionary groups who have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs. (more…)
PASAY CITY – Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., on Tuesday, February 20, said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), which oversees the implementation of the country’s comprehensive peace process, does not condone any anomaly in the implementation of the decommissioning process for former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Galvez made this statement after three decommissioned MILF combatants aired their complaints to Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada and Galvez before the conduct of the Senate hearing on the decommissioning process called for by the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace Unification and Reconciliation. (more…)
CAMP RAJAMUDA, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO (16 FEBRUARY 2024) — In a bid to bolster healthcare services in underserved communities, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity through the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC), together with the the Department of Health (DOH), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Ministry of Health (BARMM-MOH), spearheaded the ceremonial turnover of rural health units with birthing facilities in the six camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a medical caravan, and PhilHealth registration here.
The event, participated in by government officials, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, showcased the concerted efforts of the national and Bangsamoro governments to address the healthcare needs of residents of communities within the MILF camps and neighboring areas.
Government of the Philippines Implementing Panel (GPIP) Chairman, Presidential Assistant Cesar Yano, emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare services in fostering community development and stability.
According to Yano, healthcare is a fundamental right that every citizen deserves. By providing essential medical services and facilities, “will not only improve the well-being of the people but also contribute to the overall peace and unity of the region and the nation as a whole.”
Sincere, continued commitment of the national government
The ceremonial turnover of rural health units symbolized the commitment of the government to ensure sustained healthcare access in rural communities. These five units located in Brgy. Panggao, Munai, Lanao Del Norte, Brgy. Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao, Brgy. Sandab, Butig, Lanao del Sur, Brgy. Guindulungan, Maguindanao and the almost complete Brgy. Nabalawag, Barira, Maguindanao, are expected to serve as vital hubs for delivering primary healthcare services, including consultations, vaccinations, and maternal care.
For Undersecretary of Health, Field Implementation and Coordination Team – Mindanao (FICT-M), Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr. the “facility will be able to serve the people in the area more appropriately and responsibly.”
“Further I am sure, na this will be operated with utmost care and concern for the benefit of the many generations to come. Itong facility na ito ay hindi lamang magsho-showcase kundi bilang magiging legacy as a sincerity ng pamahalaan. Sinsero po ang ating gobyerno para makapagbigay ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan especially the Bangsamoro People,” Dumama said.
“Kami po sa Department of Health, gagawin po namin ang aming makakaya para ipaabot po sa inyo ang sapat at tamang kalidad ng serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa lahat. Wala po kaming iiwan. Lahat po tayo ay sabay-sabay na mapabuti ang serbisyong ito. Hindi po pwedeng siya lang, hindi pwedeng ako lang, kundi tayong lahat,” he added.
Dumama explained to residents that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the government corporation attached to the Department of Health, is mandated to provide health insurance coverage and ensure affordable and accessible healthcare services for all Filipinos.
“Yung Philhealth na sinasabi nila, lahat po tayo ay miyembro na wala na pong kailangan bayaran pang premium dahil tayo ay Pilipino. Wala pong isang kusing na ipapalabas ang ating mga kababayan lalong-lao na po ang mga mahihirap,” he bared.
Meanwhile, TFDCC co-chair and Member of Parliament Atty. Laisa Masuhud Alamia noted that “the construction of the RHU was a product of an agreement involving the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Ministry of Health (BARMM-MOH). It contributes not only towards making health services more accessible to the community but also towards fostering peace in the Bangsamoro.”
Alamia, also stressed the importance of having a rural health unit with a birthing facility in improving local health conditions and reducing maternal and infant mortality, especially in areas that are far from hospitals like Camp Rajamuda.
Moreover, the medical caravan participated by the MOH Regional, Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, Cotabato Sanitarium and General Hospital, Integrated Provincial Health Office-Maguindanao (IPHO), IPHO Lanao, MOH Special Geographic Area (SGA), and PhilHealth brought much-needed healthcare services directly to the doorstep of residents.
With a team of healthcare professionals on board, the caravan was able to provide more than 1,000 residents with free medical services such as checkup, pre- and post-natal consultation, circumcision, and dental services, give medicines and equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches, and conducted bloodletting.
“Not the end but the beginning of continued partnership”
In addition to healthcare services, the event also facilitated the PhilHealth registration of more than 500 residents, making them qualitifed for the public health insurance benefits. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden for medical services and empower individuals to seek necessary healthcare without hesitation.
OPAPRU Executive Director For Bangsamoro Transformation Jordan S. Bayam, noted that the turnover of the six rural health units is “not the end but the beginning of continued partnership to ensure the delivery of quality social health services in the community here and other MILF camps where rural health units are built.”
“We will assure you that we will continue our efforts to provide healthcare and other services to the decommissioned combatants, their families and their communities. I think we are all aware that the lack of basic social services emerges [from] poverty, which in return fuels aggression. Through the provision of basic social services [and] other social economic programs and [through] political reforms we are implementing, we can finally achieve the elusive dream of peace in the Bangsamoro,’’ he noted.
Proactive approach
Local officials and community leaders expressed gratitude for the government’s unwavering support in improving healthcare access in their region. They lauded the efforts of the OPAPRU, along with its partner agencies, for their whole-of-government approach in providing healthcare and peace-building initiatives.
BTA -Member of Parliament Akmad Jack Abas Alhadj expressed his hopes for continued government support, as he reiterated the MILF’s strong commitment to help promote peace and unity in their communities.
Abas said that the collaborative efforts between government agencies, healthcare professionals, and local communities are helping to significantly improve the provision of health services to residents in the six-acknowledged MIF camps and neighboring areas.
Also present during the activity where Minister Rizaldy Piang of the Ministry of Health- BARMM; Lt. Gen. Danilo Pamonag, co-chair of GPH-JTFCT OPAPRU; Director Ishmael Bahjin of the SDU-TFDCC; OPAPRU Director Farrah Grace Naparan, Head, Secretariat of the GPIP-MILF Peace Process; MP Dr. Kadil Jojo Sinolinding; IPHO Maguimdanao Dr. Bagundaali; and Sanitarium Hospital Chief Dr. Ebrahim Pangato Jr. and Dr. Norodin Salam. ###
BAGUIO CITY– Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong led the groundbreaking ceremony and the signing of the memorandum of agreement for the construction of the first ever Peace Center in Northern Luzon on Friday, February 16.
The Php 50 million peace and development center, which will be built at the Upper Session Road, this city, will house Cordillera-based Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) personnel.
The facility will also serve as a peace knowledge and learning center in the city, as well as a convention center where meetings and seminars can be held.
From casual talks to realization
According to Mayor Magalong, the idea of establishing a peace center in the city started during a casual talk with Secretary Galvez at an event in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in September last year.
“Sec. Galvez and I have been together for a while, especially during the run of the National Task Force on COVID-19 where he was the vaccine czar while I was the lead in the nationwide contact tracing,” Magalong said.
“Sometime in September 2023 just last year, we were both guests at a PMA event. He was mentioning to me the different programs of OPAPRU and the fundings for the programs. He also mentioned the peacekeeping and reconciliation programs to which we both agreed to suggest that we can put up a peace and development center here in Baguio City.” he recalled.
PAMANA funded project
The proposed peace and development center was then included in the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program fund for fiscal year 2024. The successful inclusion of the project came after a site validation and assessment was made by OPAPRU personnel.
The PAMANA Program is the national government’s peace and development convergence program which forms an integral part of the Philippine comprehensive peace process.
This cross-cutting, community-driven intervention directly contributes to the implementation of the Transformation and Normalization Programs under the various peace agreements, while ensuring the sustainability of project interventions in peace and development focus areas.
To facilitate the implementation of fiscal year 2024 PAMANA projects and in recognition of the significant role of local government units in peacebuilding, the OPAPRU partnered with the city local government of Baguio for the implementation of the PAMANA project in its area jurisdiction.
“We are looking forward to a very strong partnership and collaboration with regards to this joint venture and that is, the construction of a peace and development center, the first of its kind in Northern Luzon. I also heard that there would be more peace and development centers that will be put up in other parts of this country,” Magalong said.
Recognition of Cordillera’s key role in peacebuilding
For his part, Secretary Galvez said the the peace center shall serve as a concrete symbol of OPAPRU’s recognition of the Cordillera Administrative Region’s “key role in peacebuilding that is deeply rooted in its rich culture and traditions such as the Bodong system, Pechen, Tung-Tong and Mediation.”
“This facility will not only house OPAPRU personnel, but more importantly, enable our office to make its presence more felt here in the region. Through the center, we will ensure that all local peace and development efforts will be well-monitored, well-coordinated and well-supported by OPAPRU through its close collaboration with other stakeholders in the region,” Galvez said.
He added that the physical presence of OPAPRU in the city will also help increase the people’s awareness of the agency, which is dedicated to promoting peace, conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the prevention of violence in the region.
The center, which has a 3,775 sqm floor area, will also serve as an avenue for the conduct of peace dialogues, capacity and skills training, women and youth peace and security seminars, and the practice of conflict resolution approaches that originated in the Cordillera.
Galvez was joined by LGen. Fernyl Buca, PAF, Commander of Armed Forces of the Philippines-Northern Luzon; MGen. Audrey L. Pasia, Commander of 5th Infantry Division; PAMANA Director J Anthony Peña and Dir. Christina Loren Umali of the RPA-ABB and CBA-CPLA Concerns Office. While Mayor Magalong was joined by Baguio City Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and other councilors of the city during the ceremonial groundbreaking and MOA signing. ###
Office of the Presidential Adviser
on the Peace, Reconciliation and Unity
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