Davao de Oro, Philippines — In a landmark event on November 12, 2024, the 1001st Infantry (PAG-ASA) Brigade celebrated the awarding of scholarship assistance to two former rebels, alias “Dandan” and alias “Ria,” as part of the Davao de Oro provincial government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). This reintegration initiative supports former members of armed insurgent groups in their efforts to transition back into society.
Dandan and Ria, who once held significant positions in the Dismantled Guerilla Front 2 (DGF 2) and the Regional Instructors Bureau, respectively, each received scholarships worth PHP 90,000. The funds will support their enrollment in the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), an assessment program by the Commission on Higher Education that provides higher education opportunities to individuals based on skills and prior learning.
The scholarship awards were personally handed over by Mr. Jake Caiman, Provincial Administrator, and Ms. Josephine Frasco, Head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). This scholarship marks another step in Davao de Oro’s broad support for former rebels, enabling them to rebuild their lives through education and economic stability.
As part of their E-CLIP support, Dandan and Ria also received a DILG assistance package valued at PHP 65,000 earlier this year in February. Both individuals joined E-CLIP in 2022 and 2021, respectively, to leave behind their involvement in armed groups and transition back into civilian life.
The E-CLIP program, a national initiative led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), provides former rebels with an array of benefits, including financial assistance, livelihood training, housing support, and educational scholarships. Through these resources, E-CLIP aims to foster a successful reintegration process for former rebels, helping them rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
This recent scholarship grant underscores the commitment of both the provincial and national government to creating a lasting pathway for peace and inclusion in Davao de Oro and beyond.
