To boost peacebuilding efforts in the Bicol region, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has earmarked P705-million under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program for infrastructure projects aimed at supporting former rebels and conflict-affected communities.
The announcement was made during the Nexus orientation held last Friday, May 30. OPAPRU highlighted its initiatives, including the PAMANA, Localized Peace Engagement (LPE), and Transformation Programs.
Brigadier Gen. Randolph Cabangbang, acting commander of the 9th Infantry Division, underscored the timeliness of the program in light of the growing number of former rebels reintegrating into society.
“These are needed in securing the peace and sustaining the gains, and that is what PAMANA is all about,” Cabangbang said.
According to Director J. Anthony Peña of the PAMANA National Program Management Office, the funds will be used to build roads, bridges, and water supply systems.
The program also partners with agencies such as Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, and PhilHealth to provide additional support services to former rebels and their families.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. reaffirmed OPAPRU’s commitment to expanding local peace efforts. He also disclosed plans to propose a bigger PAMANA budget in the next National Expenditure Program to further support peace initiatives in Bicol and Samar.
“We actively engage governors and provincial agencies to work together in addressing the concerns of rebel returnees, helping them rebuild their lives and support their families,” Galvez said.
From January to May 2025, the military reported 124 LPE activities in the region, resulting in 238 individuals cutting ties with communist groups.
Meanwhile, the National Amnesty Commission has received 56 applications from former rebels in Bicol, with amnesty applications open until March 2026.
Lawyer Wilben Mayor, the Presidential Assistant for Local Conflict Transformation, emphasized that beyond material aid, the government is also focused on restoring the civil and political rights of former rebels through amnesty and reintegration programs.
