Abra provides a buffet of programs for former rebels

By Maria Teresa B. Benas

Tuesday 19th of June 2012

BANGUED, Abra, June 19 (PIA) — The Abra Social Integration Committee (ASIC) is adopting measures in efforts to strengthen the implementation of the “Kabsatko Ipategko”(I am my brother’s/sister’s keeper) or KIP program in the province concerning rebel returnees.

In a recent meeting, the ASIC members resolved that the implementation of the KIP be documented, and a work and financial plan be prepared for presentation during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting so that corresponding budget be allocated fora more effective operation.

The KIP aims to support the rehabilitation of rebel returnees under a caring scheme in order to deliver them from deception of the past struggle and be able to live a normal and more meaningful life in mainstream society. Sponsors adopt a brother/sister returnee and commit to undertake a caring scheme that will sustain their physical, mental, social, and psychological rehabilitation.

The returnees, on the other hand, will commit to make themselves available and cooperate along the comfortable schemes provided by their sponsor for their own eventual socio-economic transformation in life.

The body likewise sought the support of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in organizing and activating a local social integration program for the former rebels (FRs) in the municipal local government units’ level for their appropriate support to the FRs in their own communities.

DILG Assistant Provincial Director Jimmy Daoaten requested that this be stated in the amended executive order so that the DILG can have a basis for its action.

Police Provincial Director Alexander Refael also recommended that the monitoring of the status of FRs be coordinated with the local police stations through the barangay captains to ensure that the FRs are intact in their communities and that they have not returned to the underground movement.

Provincial social welfare officer Decimia D. Cabang updated the body regarding the releases of the livelihood assistance of P50,000 given to the FRs by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) through their office.

To date, the names of 32 FRs had been submitted to the OPAPP for assistance. Of these, eight had been approved and 24 are still under process.

Eden Adriatico of the Department of Education said that the Alternative Learning System provides literacy cum livelihood trainings so that FRs who have not finished basic education could participate in the module programs.

Upon finishing the basic education, they can take on either the Acceleration and Equivalency Program or the Philippine Educational Promotional Test, which are both promotional programs of the Department of Education.

The FRs can also participate in the skills training programs offered by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through the sponsorship of the sponsors of the FRs. Through the skills trainings, the FRs can engage in income generating activities that would augment their limited farming activities. (JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR, Abra)