MIS OCC E-CLIP,
DILG TO CONDUCT IP SUMMIT

OROQUIETA CITY – The Misamis Occidental E-CLIP committee (composed of provincial officials, sector groups, local military and police, and the DILG) recently conducted a dialogue with Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) at Camp Burgos to prepare for the Indigenous Peoples Summit this June 03, 2019.

IPMRs from all groups and towns in the province attended to become key consultants to conducting the summit that will showcase the E-CLIP features and benefits to IP individuals involved with leftist groups while also showcasing different programs of invited government agencies. The committee has received more than 100 confirmed attendees from the IP groups.

The meeting also highlighted the implementation of Executive Order Number 70 “institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace” and the role of frontline groups such as the IP sector.

“By addressing the root cause of problems can sustainable peace be achieved,” says Provincial Director Pablio Benitez, Jr. while presenting the provisions the said order.

Misamis Occidental is home to a considerable population of the Subanen, the tribal group indigenous to the Zamboanga peninsula area particularly living in the rural areas between Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental. IP groups are considered most vulnerable and prone to recruitment from leftists according to the AFP.

The government has since then addressed this issue through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) implemented by provincial government units with funding and monitoring through the DILG. The E-CLIP provides reintegration activities and livelihood assistance to former rebels who have surrendered to local authorities.