BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – In line with Executive Order No. 70 (WHOLE-OF-NATION APPROACH), the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 13 headed by Mr. Ramel F. Jamin, OIC-Regional Director, and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) headed by Ms. Silver Joy T. Tejano, facilitated the distribution of Sustainable Livelihood Grants to the Former Rebels (FRs) at the Covered Court of Barangay 6, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on July 29, 2022.
A total of 76 Former Rebels received a livelihood assistance amounting to P20,000.00 each, with a total amount of P1,520.000.00, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG). The grant is intended to be used as capital for their new or existing feasible and viable micro-enterprises or purchase of starter kits needed for the identified micro-enterprises.
The FRs will utilize their grants according to their needs and resources available and accessible in their community.
Each grantee (or former rebel) underwent an extensive screening, profiling, interview and orientation before one is awarded with the Livelihood Settlement Grant.
The orientation consists of the available programs and services offered by the government to the former rebels to enable them to reintegrate into the normal society as ordinary citizens.
The active support by the government plays a significant role in this transition, giving opportunity to the former rebels and their families the sense of security and courage, with greater conviction to face the people, and to live comfortably and peacefully in their respective communities. One’s utmost desire and determination to provide his family a safe environment, good life and a bright future, is already a guaranty in itself in achieving one’s success. A person can never go wrong with a correct mindset and a positive attitude. Armed with these virtues, the former rebels are all set to embrace greater opportunities ahead and to continue treading in a new and more meaningful directions.
Present in the event were Hon. Joselito T. Roble, Municipal Mayor of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Hon. Jenry E. Montante, Municipal Mayor of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, PD Rey M. Cueva, Ms. Elezabeth M. Calo, Provincial Administrative Officer of Agusan del Norte, Provincial Director, TESDA-13, the 23IB, and the PNP.
The Livelihood Settlement Grant is a special project under the DSWD-SLP which provides financial assistance to eligible FRs to support the establishment or continuity of their livelihood and economic activities in the community.
