DAVAO ORIENTAL – The members of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) Committee here are pushing for more meaningful interventions aiming to further sustain and boost former rebels’ progress in their journey towards reintegration to the mainstream society.
During the committee’s regular meeting on Friday, the members have expressed the need to create activities and programs designed to effectively roll-out recovery and development interventions for former rebels after they have finished their one to three months stay at the Provincial Government-run halfway house for former rebels called Happy Home.
Among the proposed interventions discussed are the provision of employment and the implementation of housing program for former rebels which are aimed to help them establish themselves economically and empower them to be functioning members of the community.
Brigadier General Reuben S. Basiao, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade and co-chair of the CLIP committee said that “What we need to do is to enhance our activities after their [former rebels] rehabilitation at the Happy Home,” stressing the significance of the implementation of long-term aftercare interventions that would complement the government’s provision of cash assistance to former rebels. By Karen Lou Deloso
