PAGADIAN — The Regional Social Development Committee has endorsed to the Regional Peace and Order Council and Regional Development Council in Zamboanga peninsula the qualified villages for the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program in the region.

National Economic and Development Authority Director Phlorita A. Ridao that based on the data from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict on the cleared barangays, the Department of Social Welfare and Development identified 23 barangays in the region are qualified for the implementation of SLP.

A total of 114 former rebels and violent extremists in the region are eligible recipients of the SLP of the government, Ridao said.

The SLP was reviewed and endorsed to the RPOC and RDC by RSDC 9 during its 2nd quarter meeting held on 16 May at a local hotel in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. The RDC and RPOC are scheduled to meet jointly on 23 June to act on the recommendation of RSDC.

According to Ridao section 1 of Executive Order 70 provides that the government shall prioritize and harmonize the delivery of essential services and social development packages in conflict-affected areas and conflict-vulnerable areas.

The SLP is a capability-building program of DSWD for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized communities, to uplift the living condition of individuals and families, through accessing and maintaining livelihoods.

The beneficiaries of the SLP are former rebels or their immediate family members, the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program members, and poor households will be given a Livelihood Settlement Grant in the amount of P20,000.