MABUHAY, Zamboanga Sibugay — A hundred families of former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants are now proud homeowners after the government formally turned over and inaugurated 100 housing units in Barangay Taguisian, Mabuhay.
The project was carried out under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP), a flagship peace and development initiative jointly implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), and the local government unit of Mabuhay.
Western Mindanao Command Acting Commander Brigadier General Romulo Quemado II led the ceremonial turnover, describing the project as a “tangible evidence of the collective efforts of all concerned agencies and a testament to the power of the whole-of-nation approach.”
“This project is a powerful convergence of vision and action. We extend our deepest gratitude to OPAPRU for their leadership in the peace process, and to the DSWD for their tireless work in implementing the Modified Shelter Assistance Project,” Quemado said.
The PAMANA housing project is part of the government’s peace investments, designed to provide decent shelter to families in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities while spurring growth and development in far-flung areas.
Brig. Gen. Quemado urged the new homeowners to nurture the communities they will build in these housing units.
“I call on our beneficiaries to transform these houses into true homes—sanctuaries of peace filled with love, where children can grow to become productive and peace-loving citizens,” he added.
Also present during the turnover ceremony were OPAPRU Executive Director Cesar De Mesa, DSWD Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay, Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Dulce Ann Hofer, Mabuhay Mayor Edreluisa Caloñge, and 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Randolph Rojas.
The government hopes that this initiative will not only uplift the lives of former combatants and their families but also help sustain peace and stability in the region.