PASIG CITY — Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian have vowed to carry out President Ferdinand R. Marocs, Jr.’s directive: Transform former rebels (FRs) into peaceful, productive and resilient citizens.

In a recent meeting between the two officials, they agreed to strengthen the partnership between their respective agencies to bring positive change to the lives of these FRs, their families and communities.

“I would like to thank the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under the leadership of Sec. Rex Gatchalian, for the continued partnership to ensure the implementation of the country’s peace process,” Galvez said.

“What we are doing today is more than planning; it is building a future where peace takes root and prosperity blooms,” he added.

The peace adviser emphasized the transformative role of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity’s (OPAPRU) Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program and DSWD in addressing the roots of armed conflict and empowering marginalized communities.

Since its inception in 2011, the PAMANA Program has been a key component of the national government’s peacebuilding efforts to transform conflict-affected and vulnerable areas by addressing developmental gaps, fostering hope, and boosting growth and development.

Scaling up for FY 2025

With a budget of Php1.4 billion under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2025, the PAMANA program is expanding its reach, focusing on high-impact, community-driven interventions across its key tracks.

At the heart of these efforts lies a vision of transformation—a commitment to turning areas once marked by conflict into hubs of hope and progress. The following initiatives embody the program’s strategic focus:

Peace and Development Track:

Conflict-affected barangays (CABs) where roads now connect remote villages, children have access to education, and health centers provide essential care. This is the promise of Community-Driven Development (CDD), which aims to bring quality basic social services to these communities, and ensure that the dividends of peace and progress are felt by residents.

LGU-Led Track:

Local governments are stepping up and leading the charge towards sustainable progress. The implementation of LGU-led PAMANA project will focus on the implementation of Livelihood Programs. This track ensures that growth is driven from the grassroots–building resilience and economic stability at the community level.

Healing and Reintegration:

For former combatants and individuals deeply affected by conflict, the road to recovery begins with compassion and targeted support. The Case Management program is designed to facilitate their healing and reintegration into society, providing them with skills, guidance, and more importantly, a renewed sense of purpose.

All of these initiatives are more than just interventions—they are concrete steps in turning remote, marginalized areas into show windows of peace and development.

These initiatives also offer these communities a chance to rewrite their narrative from one of conflict, fear and discord, to one of peace, collaboration and prosperity.

Pathway to Peace and Reintegration

According to Gatchalian, his unwavering commitment to peace comes from his genuine concern to help uplift the lives of his fellow Filipinos and bring long-lasting peace to the nation.

“More than anything, I want peace to reign in our country,” he emphasized.

The transformative Case Management Program is a testament of Gatchalian’s commitment to turning his vision into reality.

Designed to support the reintegration of former rebels and decommissioned combatants, the program is set to begin in three pilot regions: 9, 10, and 12.

Aligned with the broader goals of the DSWD’s other initiatives, the Case Management Program highlights the national government’s long-standing commitment to empowering individuals and communities affected by conflict.

A Unified Vision for Progress

Galvez lauded the collaboration between DSWD and OPAPRU, highlighting how this partnership has enabled PAMANA to serve as a beacon of hope, transformation, and empowerment for individuals and communities.

The peace adviser underscored President Marcos’ call to sustain the gains of the peace process and intensify efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos in conflict-affected areas.

“Peace is not just the absence of conflict – it is the presence of opportunities, dignity, and a better future,” he noted.

The OPAPRU and DSWD executives committed that their respective agencies would sustain their initiatives and continue to build on the gains of the comprehensive Philippine peace process.###