By Rachel Magday
NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito met with officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on August 28, to align ongoing and upcoming programs that support the reintegration of former rebels and strengthen peacebuilding efforts in the province.
Discussions focused on an upcoming partnership between the provincial government and OPAPRU covering infrastructure projects—particularly road improvement in former insurgency-affected areas—and scholarship programs for the children of former rebels.
Gov. Gambito also committed provincial support for a national trade fair in Metro Manila that will feature products from former rebel associations across the country, with Nueva Vizcaya’s associations set to participate.
The OPAPRU delegation was led by BGen. Ramon C. Yogyog (Ret.), Regional Adviser on Peace and Security for Region II, with Mr. Jerome A. Padilla, Area Manager of the Area Management Unit–Northern Luzon; Mr. Adenis B. Bringas, ARCA Coordinator; Mr. Alex Berigundo, Head of the Local Amnesty Board; Mr. Redgie A. Gallardo, Area Coordinator for Northern Luzon; and Ms. Lamie K. Sagulo, Administrative Officer.
Also present were DILG Provincial Director Catherine Alam Miranda, PSWD representative Jane Pumaras, SWAD–Nueva Vizcaya Team Leader Fernando Bainto, Provincial Warden Carmelo Andrada, and PPDO Head Engr. Edgardo Sabado.
Both sides reviewed existing reintegration and community-support initiatives and identified areas for tighter coordination to accelerate delivery of services to returnees and their families.
Many former rebels have already received livelihood assistance from the national government, continued monitoring is needed to ensure these resources are properly used to rebuild and improve beneficiaries’ livelihoods as they return to mainstream society.
The planned infrastructure investments aim to improve access to markets, social services, and livelihood opportunities in communities transitioning from conflict, while the scholarship component seeks to expand educational opportunities for qualified beneficiaries.
OPAPRU, the Philippine government agency responsible for managing and implementing the comprehensive peace process, said the collaboration with the provincial government is intended to foster reconciliation and unity while sustaining gains in local peace and security.
