GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has officially launched its Social Case Management System (SCMS) to provide holistic, personalized support to 26,145 decommissioned combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other former members of non-state armed groups.
The initiative, unveiled on July 30, is funded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) through its Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program. It will mobilize hundreds of dedicated social workers and allied professionals as case managers to guide beneficiaries in their transition to becoming peaceful and productive members of society.
Through the SCMS, the DSWD aims to improve data collection, enhance program planning and implementation, and streamline access to essential government services for former combatants and their families.
“For national government programs to truly flourish and succeed, they must be embraced and owned by the communities on the ground,” said DSWD Undersecretary Alan A. Tanjusay. He noted that the program is a product of years of trust-building, offering “a dignified and peaceful path over” for individuals affected by armed conflict and enabling the agency to “better assess the needs of those we serve.”
David B. Diciano, OPAPRU Presidential Assistant for Bangsamoro Transformation, lauded the DSWD as a “steadfast peacebuilding partner,” describing the SCMS as a much-needed tool for delivering “tailored interventions” to support the reintegration of former combatants. He also underscored that DSWD’s frontline workers are “the face of the Philippine government” and “a source of hope, guidance, and inspiration” for those leaving armed struggle behind.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring “no decommissioned combatant will be left behind,” expressing confidence that sustained collaboration will pave the way for lasting peace and inclusive progress in conflict-affected areas.