October 7, 2023
TACLOBAN CITY – In a bid to reintegrate former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) back into society, three residential units have been finished in the quiet town of San Jose de Buan, Samar province, within a span of six weeks, according to military sources.
Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, revealed that these dwellings are a portion of the 17 homes supported by both the provincial authorities and generous private benefactors.
Gen. Lelina commented, “The completion of the initial three homes was made possible by the collective efforts of Army engineers, local police, administrative bodies of San Jose de Buan, and the rehabilitated rebels themselves. We’re in the process of deciding on a handover date.”
Built with traditional amakan (crafted from split-bamboo mats), each home boasts two bedrooms, a cooking space, and a communal area.
Named “Saad nga Balay ha mga Peacebuilders han San Jose de Buan” (homes pledged to former combatants), this part-concrete housing endeavor is geared towards aiding 38 ex-NPA members. A prime batch of 17 individuals, specifically those without shelter and with families residing in San Jose de Buan, are slated to move into their new homes by the year’s end.
Funds amounting to PHP4 million have been earmarked to provide these previous rebels with stable homes.
Positioned conveniently close to the town’s nucleus, every unit occupies a plot measuring 100 square meters.
In addition to housing, Gen. Lelina highlighted the local administration’s plans to establish an educational hub and allocate agricultural plots to enhance their livelihood opportunities.
The overarching goal, beyond aiding the former NPA members, is to inspire others affiliated with the insurgent faction to relinquish their ties, embrace the societal reintegration offers, and embark on a peaceful life journey.
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