By Nimfa Estrellado Quezon Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan and General Nakar Mayor Eliseo "Esee" R. Ruzol along with other...
 |
| Quezon Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan and General Nakar Mayor Eliseo "Esee" R. Ruzol along with other government officials and representatives from various agencies, during the signing of the Usufruct Agreement on Tuesday, January 16 in General Nakar, Quezon. (Photo from Doktora Helen Tan/FACEBOOK) |
GENERAL NAKAR, Quezon - A new reintegration village, the first of its kind in the province, will soon rise in the heart of General Nakar to provide former separatist rebels and communist insurgents with a supportive and inclusive community to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
This comes after the provincial government of Quezon, led by Quezon Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan, General Nakar Mayor Eliseo "Esee" R. Ruzol, DILG-IV-A Regional Director Ariel Iglesia, Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), held a signing of the Usufruct Agreement, the groundbreaking of Balikatan Village, and the distribution of assistance to ECLIP beneficiaries in the town of General Nakar on Tuesday, January 16.
The signing of the Usufruct Agreement marks an important milestone in the development of Bahay at Lingap sa Kababayang Tumugon at Nagbalik-loob sa Pamahalaan (BALIKATAN) Village. This agreement, made possible through the Sangguniang Bayan resolution and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution, grants Governor Tan and Mayor Eleseo the authority to establish a usufruct agreement on the land where BALIKATAN Village or Halfway House Facility in Brgy. Pamplona will be constructed.
The village is for 27 rebel returnees in General Nakar who have chosen to reintegrate into society and leave behind their previous lives as rebels. Here, they will be provided with housing, livelihood opportunities, and support services to help them.
During the usufruct agreement ceremony, Governor Tan said their duty is to prove that the former returnees did not make a mistake in their decision to reintegrate into society, "Ang aming tungkulin ay patunayan sa inyo na hindi kayo nagkamali sa inyong desisyon."
She emphasized the importance of providing a supportive environment where these individuals can rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities. She also said her administration is committed to ensuring that all necessary resources and assistance are provided to facilitate the successful reintegration of these individuals.
This includes access to education and skill training programs, job placement services, ongoing counseling and support to address any challenges they may encounter along the way, and everything else required to help them reintegrate as productive and law-abiding citizens.
On the other hand, Mayor Eleseo expressed his gratitude to the government and all the stakeholders involved in creating such a comprehensive reintegration program for the first time in their community.
"First time in the history of the General Nakar Bayan, ahensya mula sa kasundaluhan, sa kapulisan, sa DILG, lokal na pamahalaan at nasyunal upang itayo ang isang napakahalagang programa at serbisyo sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan nating nagbabalik loob," he said.
Mayor Eleseo also pledged to work closely with the different agencies involved to ensure the success of the program and to provide ongoing support to the rebel returnees. He also said he is committed to ensuring that the BALIKATAN Village becomes a model for successful reintegration programs, showcasing the potential for transformation and redemption in every individual.
According to Chief Police Col. Ledon Monte of the Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO), reintegrating rebel returnees into society is integral to their success. The QPPO Chief emphasized the importance of community support and acceptance of rebel returns to ensure effective reintegration.
He highlighted the importance of providing them with opportunities for livelihood and ensuring their access to basic services such as education and healthcare. The QPPO will actively collaborate with local organizations and agencies to create a supportive environment that promotes their rehabilitation and integration.
Meanwhile, on the same day, financial assistance and additional medicines from the Quezon Provincial Government were distributed to twenty-seven ECLIP beneficiaries by the DILG.
This assistance aims to further support the rebel returnees in their journey towards full reintegration into society. The collaboration between the QPPO, local organizations, and agencies will not only provide immediate aid but also establish long-term programs that address the root causes of rebellion and prevent future recruitment.
No comments