The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Monday that it continues to coordinate its programs and services with other government agencies to address the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of conflict-affected communities.

Among its priorities is ensuring that former members of non-state armed groups (FMNSAGs) and their families receive holistic support to help them improve their living conditions and sustain their roles in the peace-building process, said Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the DSWD’s Peace and Development Group (PDG).

“The primary goal of the DSWD for our former rebel brothers and sisters is to reintegrate them into their families and communities for a new life, and more importantly, for them to contribute to nation-building,” Tanjusay said.

The PDG official noted that livelihood support through the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is part of the agency’s services for rebel returnees to help them start anew and secure stable sources of income.

“We provide livelihood assistance. We give them seed capital as an association. Now, if their enterprise grows, we provide additional support so that more people can benefit from the expansion,” he said.

In addition to seed capital, the DSWD and its partner agencies offer training and capacity-building initiatives to equip beneficiaries with the resources and knowledge needed to manage and grow their businesses successfully.

Tanjusay said the DSWD is also involved in creating sub-projects in conflict-affected communities through its Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program.

“Our main sub-projects include bridges, solar panels and hanging bridges. These are basic infrastructure projects we aim to deliver to our countrymen, especially those in remote areas,” he said.

The DSWD said it also supports the Modified Shelter Assistance Project (MSAP), which provides structurally sound, eco-friendly shelter units for FMNSAGs, victims of armed conflict, and residents of conflict-vulnerable areas.

Tanjusay emphasized that all these efforts align with the Philippine government’s flagship peace program, the PAyapa at MAsaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA).

PAMANA is implemented in conflict-affected areas and communities covered by existing peace agreements.