CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, CAMARINES SUR– As part of the national government’s efforts to strengthen and sustain the gains of peace in the Bicol Region, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), through its Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, has allocated Php 705 million in funds to implement high-impact, community-driven infrastructure projects across the region.

This was announced during the Nexus orientation on OPAPRU’s PAMANA, Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) and Transformation Programs held on Friday, May 30.

Timely infrastructure support

BGen. Randolph Cabangbang, Acting Commander of the Philippine Army 9th infantry division, emphasized that these peacebuilding initiatives are a timely and strategic response to the increasing number of former rebels who have laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law.

“PAMANA is among the effective developmental programs for our former rebels. It is very timely that we sustain these programs. These are needed in securing the peace and sustaining the gains, and that is what PAMANA is all about,” Cabangbang said.

“Sana lahat ng development programs that are being given to conflict areas could be under OPAPRU. That is one of the powerful programs, it is not just under one department, lahat ng agencies may role-and we are glad that PAMANA is there to assist,” he stressed.

Director J. Anthony Peña of the PAMANA National Program Management Office reported that the Php 705 million in funds will be used to construct bridges, water supply systems, and roads, among others.

“Aside from infrastructure projects, PAMANA also collaborates with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), and other national line agencies to support former rebels. In 2024, we partnered with PhilHealth to address the healthcare needs of former rebels and their families,” Peña said.

Strengthening local peace efforts

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., who was the guest of honor during the orientation, reaffirmed OPAPRU’s commitment to ramp up the implementation of the LPE and Transformation Programs in the region.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang LPE [implementation]. This is a joint effort of all stakeholders, including LGUs and OPAPRU. We are cascading all NTF-ELCAC mechanisms from the regional level down to the provincial level,” Galvez said.

“We actively engage governors and provincial agencies to work together in addressing the concerns of rebel returnees, helping them rebuild their lives and support their families,” he noted.

According to the peace adviser, OPAPRU is proposing the increase of PAMANA’s budget under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) in order to boost the program’s implementation in the regions, particularly in critical areas such as Bicol and Samar.

He noted major improvements in the areas’ peace and security situation because of the construction of key infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges, which are uplifting the lives of residents.

“The goal is a complete change of mindset —to transform lives, especially those in marginalized communities. Through capacity-building and access to education and skills training, we aim to equip them (FRs) for better employment opportunities, which in turn will uplift the lives and prosperity of our fellow Filipinos,” Galvez added.

Beyond material assistance

The 9th Infantry Division reported that from January and May 2025, a total of 124 LPE activities were conducted across its area of responsibility, resulting in 238 individuals returning to the folds of the law and withdrawing their support from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

“However, despite the number of neutralized CTGs, there is still a need to increase our effort to engage more stakeholders especially in the family, relatives and friends of CTG members in disseminating the government benefits,” the 9th ID reported.

“In addition to material support, we uphold the civil and political rights of the former rebels through the grant of the amnesty. We are seeking the assistance of the battalion commanders present here today to please help us advocate for the amnesty,” said Atty. Wilben M. Mayor, Presidential Assistant for Local Conflict Transformation during the gathering.

As of May 30, the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) has received 56 amnesty applications from the CPP-NPA-NDF coming from the Bicol Region.

The NAC will be receiving amnesty applications until March 2026.###