THE Zamboanga del Sur provincial government, in collaboration with Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and other agencies, has hosted a five-day summit for 135 former rebels.
The event included a launch of the Zamboanga del Sur Peace and Development Center, funded by a P5-million grant from OPAPRU.
The summit featured sessions on the national Amnesty Program, livelihood support under Project Good Life, and a Gender and Development Action Plan focusing on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). FRs participated in a consultation workshop addressing strategies to prevent insurgency and sustain peace, with findings presented to government partners.
Highlights included a reunion of FRs with their families and a strong emphasis on women’s roles in peace-building initiatives. Officials pledged continued support for the reintegration and development of FRs through programs in 2025.
The Peace and Development Center will serve as a hub for local peace efforts, including the LPE Transformation Program, E-CLIP, and PAMANA initiatives. Provincial leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peacebuilding and the welfare of FRs, emphasizing collaboration between the government, military, and peace partners.
