The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) donated P5 million for the construction of the “Halfway Home,’’ a facility that offers support and rehabilitation for former rebels in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
During its recent inauguration, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong commended the DILG for providing the seed funding through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) fund.
Finance under the E-CLIP fund, the DILG explained that the “Halfway Home’’ is a reintegration program of the Philippine government designed to assist former rebels and violent extremists in reintegrating into society and becoming productive citizens.
“The E-CLIP halfway home is a temporary residence for former rebels or militia ng bayan while enrolment to the program is being processed,’’ the DILG said.
Magalong further stated that the facility will serve as a Silungan Center, a social service facility, as there are currently no rebel returnees recorded in the city’s data.
Program Manager Carol G. Gano of the DILG-Baguio congratulated Baguio City for the successful completion of the project.
“This will serve as a venue for conducting rehabilitation and healing sessions, and education and skills training activities in line with the whole of nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace,’’ Gano said.
The DILG stressed that the initiative is more than a project; it’s a testament to Baguio City’s commitment to fostering hope and inclusivity within its community.
“It reflects the city’s unwavering dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals, promoting peace, and strengthening the community’s social fabric,’’ the DILG added.
Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Baguio City department heads, barangay officials and other stakeholders attended the ceremony.