MOU FOR FORMER REBELS’ HALFWAY HOUSE CONSTRUCTION SIGNED

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 2, 2019 – The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Misamis Oriental, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and 403^rd Brigade joined together for the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of the halfway house for Former Rebels (FRs) in Misamis Oriental.

The signing of the MOU is in pursuance to Executive Order (EO) No. 70, known as “Whole-of-Nation Approach” in ending local communist armed conflict. Under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), FRs are now provided with a wide array of benefits based on the particular needs of the FRs and their families such as financial assistance, shelter, education, skills training, healthcare, and legal assistance through a convergence of various national and local government agencies.

“These benefits are not the “end” but rather the means or tools to aid the FRs while in the process of transitioning into the mainstream society,” shared Misamis Oriental Provincial Planning and Development Officer, Stanley Uriarte. 

Moreover, each FR will be provided with a 1000 square meter lot to build their houses, farm crops, and raise livestock. However, the land is to be paid by the FRs to preserve the principle of the dignity of labor and industry. 

“The concept of this endeavour is not to only to provide shelter but to have a land to till for the FRs to live,” he added.

“This is our way of instilling in the minds of our FRs that we are here to support them. We are here to help them and our government in addressing the root causes of the conflict in ending local communist armed rebellion,” said DILG MisOr Provincial Director Eng. Marisia C. Naybe. 

As of press time, there are 76 FRs from Misamis Oriental who will be granted with the assistance under the programs of ECLIP.