MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, convened a follow-up dialogue to advance proposed livelihood initiatives aimed at supporting 211 former violent extremists, referred to as “returning friends,” under the Preventing and Transforming Violent Extremism (PTVE) program.
The meeting, held at the Provincial Gender and Development Office Conference Room, focused on finalizing the project outline for economic reintegration and livelihood support for the 11 cooperatives organized by the returnees. The effort forms part of OPAPRU’s Social Healing and Peacebuilding Program (SHAPE), which seeks to provide humanitarian assistance, security guarantees, and religious guidance to support the reintegration process.
Representatives from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee of Lanao del Sur joined the discussion, including officials from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Gender and Development Office (PGAD), Peace and Development Office, Provincial Cooperative Office (PCO), 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, and the Provincial Information Office (PIO).
Ashary Dimaocor, Team Leader for Social Healing and Peacebuilding of OPAPRU, highlighted the significance of the meeting in detailing the capacity development plan for the cooperatives. “The proposed interventions include livelihood assistance, basic skills training, and economic reintegration programs, which we aim to roll out within the year,” Dimaocor said.
This year’s PTVE program component emphasizes inclusive socioeconomic transformation for former violent extremists in Lanao del Sur. It is guided by recovery frameworks that respond to the province’s local dynamics while aligning with national peacebuilding goals.
The program also integrates digital literacy, spiritual development, and cooperative enterprise development to build long-term community resilience and help former extremists reintegrate as productive members of society.
Local officials expressed their commitment to sustaining peace and stability through continued collaboration and support for reintegration efforts.