A total of 1,433 decommissioned combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) received cash-for-work (CFW) assistance on Wednesday as part of the government’s peace-building and reintegration efforts.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa Program (PDBBM), in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), conducted the payout at Camp Darapanan in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat.

DSWD Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the Peace and Development Group said the initiative goes beyond financial assistance and serves as a strategic intervention to strengthen communities and sustain peace.

“Layunin nitong itaguyod ang pangmatagalang katatagan sa ekonomiya, pagpapaunlad ng pamayanan, at mas matibay na kapayapaan sa pamamagitan ng pakikilahok sa mabuting pamamahala at pagkakaisa sa komunidad,” Tanjusay said.

The payout, coordinated with DSWD Field Office 12–SOCCSKSARGEN, forms part of the national government’s broader peace-building and socio-economic reintegration initiatives under the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The cash-for-work program addresses the immediate needs of MILF decommissioned combatants and their families, including support for food, medical needs, education, shelter, livelihood, and skills development. It also aims to establish a foundation for long-term economic stability by promoting community participation, social cohesion, and sustainable livelihood strategies.

Tanjusay said the activity promotes unity by encouraging participants to set aside cultural and social differences, underscoring that all Filipinos share a common nation and collective responsibility for peace and development.

“Ito ay salapi ng mamamayang Pilipino na ipinagkakaloob sa inyo. Sana ito ay magbunga ng kaunlaran at kapayapaan sa ating lahat,” he said.

Through the PDBBM, the DSWD continues to implement holistic interventions, including livelihood assistance, educational support, and community-based development programs, aimed at transforming former conflict-affected areas into productive and resilient communities.

“Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Kasama ninyo kami sa paglalakbay na ito. Ang bawat hakbang na inyong tinatahak ngayon ay hakbang tungo sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan, isang kinabukasan na may kapayapaan, kaunlaran, at karangalan,” Tanjusay said.

As the Bangsamoro region advances toward lasting peace, the DSWD reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind—especially those who have chosen peace, reconciliation, and nation-building.