NATION

Laguna briefing puts focus on lasting reintegration

Josephine D. Escovidal · Sep 29, 2026, 5:08 PM

LOCAL PEACE ENGAGEMENT BRIEFING. Officials pose with members of the media following a briefing on the Localized Peace Engagement and its Transformation Program at Monte Vista Hotsprings and Conference Resort in Calamba City, Laguna, on 29 September 2026. Among those present were OPAPRU officials Dir. Darwin Wally T. Wee and Dir. Noly Mapili, Tristan Jeremias Bello of the Area Management Unit–CALABARZON, Art Brian Rubio of DILG 4A, Col. Michael Aquino of the AFP 2nd Infantry Division, and PIA Region 4A Regional Head Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon. Photo by Josephine D. Escovidal — Photo by Josephine Escovidal

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — Government peace efforts are putting greater emphasis on helping former rebels rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities, alongside localized measures aimed at preventing renewed conflict.

The approach was highlighted during a media and information briefing on the Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) and its Transformation Program held Tuesday, 29 September, in Laguna.

Officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Department of the Interior and Local Government and other government agencies discussed how peace interventions are being carried out with the participation of local governments, communities and other stakeholders.

OPAPRU Communications and Public Affairs Services Director Darwin Wally Wee stressed the importance of good governance and meaningful community engagement in sustaining peace at the local level.

The localized approach seeks to identify conditions affecting individual communities and address them through interventions suited to their needs rather than treating armed conflict solely as a security concern.

Also discussed was the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, or E-CLIP, which provides qualified former rebels with assistance as they return to civilian life.

The program includes immediate, livelihood and reintegration assistance, as well as other government services intended to support beneficiaries during their transition back into their communities.

The DILG currently administers assistance packages under E-CLIP, including immediate and livelihood support and reintegration assistance.

The briefing also highlighted the role of local governments and communities in ensuring that peace interventions continue beyond the initial return of former rebels and translate into opportunities for productive civilian life.

Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON Regional Head Ma. Cristina Arzadon, meanwhile, emphasized the role of journalists and government information officers in providing accurate and timely information on peace and development initiatives.

The activity was organized by OPAPRU in partnership with PIA CALABARZON and attended by journalists and local information officers in Laguna.