Sixty-nine former communist rebels have benefited from Tupad Pangako Program (TPP) in Davao del Sur as the government continues to encourage more of them to go back to mainstream society.
Under the program, rebels who would surrender will be equipped with knowledge and skills to enable them achieve a sustainable livelihood where they will be encouraged to become agriculturally productive, economically sound and spiritually mature.
DILG XI Regional Director Alex C. Roldan said the TPP is concrete proof that the government fulfills its promises to uphold public order and safety, peace, and security.
“History has taught us that a purely military or police approach does not solve the problems of insurgency and crime. Thus, the government has learned to persuade insurgents to re-enter civilian life by providing them economic opportunities to lead a peaceful and productive life,” Roldan said.
“The TPP is a whole of nation approach that consists of 13 weeks of multi-tier-programmed activities namely, the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), De-radicalization, Alternative Learning System, Skills Development Program and the Livelihood and Spiritual Program,’’ he added.
Roldan reiterated that the program aims to provide all-out government assistance and resources to FRs and ensure their complete reintegration and transformation into self-reliant, law-abiding, and productive members of society, and formidable partners of the government in promoting just and lasting peace, national reconciliation and unity.
TPP Batch 1
The TPP started with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) by the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur, DILG, Philippine Army (PA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) on Sept. 24, 2021 in Davao del Sur.
“’A total of 21 former rebels were enrolled for Batch 1 who underwent a three-month holistic transformation program in Barangay Kinuskusan, Bansalan, in Davao Del Sur. They underwent various activities including psychosocial intervention; inter-personal skills and spiritual enlightenment; occupational and livelihood skills development that comprises organic farming, home economics and industrial skills; and Alternative Literacy Program,’’ the DILG Region XI said.
This inter-agency program aims to deconstruct the "hate" fed to the former rebels; redeem their dignity; and reorient them on home economics and family values as part of the general objective of reintegrating them with their respective communities.
TPP Batch 2
After the successful graduation of the initial batch, the TPP Batch 2 was launched at the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center, Bansalan, Davao del Sur on Oct. 28, 2021 where 23 former rebels enrolled in this batch including four lactating mothers.
The government expressed its gratitude to the former rebels for returning to the folds of the law and ensuring the sustainability of the government efforts to help the FRs reintegrate back to their communities.
TPP Batch 3
The TPP Batch 3 was opened on July 20, 2022 with 25 former rebels undergoing a series of lectures, trainings and workshops to understand the program and to acquire various life skills as they re emerged to their communities anew.
The program is one of the flagship programs of Davao del Sur under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
It also falls under Davao Del Sur’s “I HELP” Program, which stands for Infrastructure, Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Order. (Chito A. Chavez)