GOV'T AID. A Department of Social Welfare and Development employee assists a former rebel's dependent as a beneficiary of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program in Castilla, Sorsogon on Feb. 9, 2024. A total of 96 dependents received PHP3,000 each as educational assistance from the government. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-Bicol)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol provided educational assistance to 96 dependents of former rebels in Sorsogon province through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program early this month.
In an interview on Monday, Jastine Joy Dichoso Escuro, DSWD-Bicol AICS focal person, said the beneficiaries were children or relatives of surrendered New People's Army (NPA) members who are currently under the care of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
"DSWD supports the reintegration of former rebels by providing educational assistance to their children and families. The assistance is given to meet their educational needs. All beneficiaries from Sorsogon received PHP3,000 each from the agency or PHP288,000 in total," she said.
Escuro said the initiative is part of the government’s collective efforts to strengthen communities affected by conflict and to continue promoting peace and development in conflict-affected areas.
AICS program is being implemented by the DSWD as a social safety net to support the recovery of individuals and families in cases of unforeseen crises, such as illness or death of a family member and other similar circumstances.
The DSWD is one of the lead agencies in the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP which provides financial and livelihood assistance, as well as other forms of support to former rebels who decide to abandon armed struggle and return to the fold of the law. (PNA)
