More than 70 former rebels from across the country underwent a three-day training in Antipolo City on crafting effective and gender-responsive project proposals as part of the government’s effort to help them lead development work in their communities, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) disclosed on Monday, March 9.

The participants, now organized as Special Project Teams (SPTs), attended the training from March 3 to 6 under the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) Peace Process Office of the OPAPRU.

According to the OPAPRU, SPTs are composed of former members of the communist movement who laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law. They now assist the government in implementing the Transformation Program, which supports the reintegration of former rebels and the development of their communities.

OPAPRU Presidential Assistant for Local Conflict Transformation Wilben Mayor said the training sought to strengthen the ability of former rebels to prepare project proposals that can secure government support.

“The objective of this activity is to further enhance the technical capacity of our FRs (former rebels) in developing project proposals so that they become meaningful, practical, and fundable initiatives anchored on the peace and development priorities of former rebel people’s organizations and their communities,” Mayor said.

The OPAPRU said that many of the participants now work with former rebel people’s organizations where they help register and accredit these groups and assist in linking communities with development programs.

Mayor said inclusivity must remain a key part of peacebuilding initiatives.

“Ensuring that our projects are gender-responsive recognizes the unique experiences, contributions, and challenges faced by women, men, and other sectors in conflict-affected communities. In doing so, we create programs that are fair, inclusive, and capable of bringing real change,” he said.

During the training, participants identified several problems that persist in their communities. These include poverty, lack of farm-to-market roads, and difficulties rebuilding relationships with families and communities after years in armed struggle.

Team-building activities were then held to strengthen cooperation among the former rebels who now serve as peace advocates.

Among the participants was Erick Simogan, 29, a former member of the NPA and now part of an SPT, who stated that the sessions showed the importance of unity in the communities.

“‘Yung natutunan ko po sa team building ay may lakas talaga kapag nagkakaisa. Kapag nagkakaisa sa boses at may vision kayo bilang isang team, mas nagiging magaan ang lahat kapag sama-sama (What I learned from the team-building activity is that there is real strength in unity. When your voices are united and you share a vision as a team, everything becomes easier when you face it together),” Simogan said in a report released by OPAPRU.

Another participant, Rosie Jane De Leon, from Cagayan Valley, said the training helped them understand the process of crafting development proposals.

“Sa training po na ito, na-realize ko na hindi basta-basta ang paggawa ng panukalang proyekto. Ngayon mas naintindihan ko kung bakit minsan ay napaka-proseso ng pag-propose ng proyekto sa gobyerno. Kailangan itong maging mabusisi at sustainable upang hindi lamang ang kasalukuyan ang matulungan kundi pati ang susunod na henerasyon (In this training, I realized that preparing a project proposal is not simple. I now understand why proposing a project to the government sometimes involves a long process. It has to be thorough and sustainable so that it helps not only the present but also the next generation),” De Leon said.

In a message delivered by OPAPRU Executive Director Cesar De Mesa, OPAPRU Senior Undersecretary Isidro L. Purisima highlighted the role of SPTs in implementing the Transformation Program.

“SPTs play a crucial role in implementing the Transformation Program. Among your key responsibilities are assisting in the registration and accreditation of former rebel people’s organizations, building networks, and strengthening partnerships with various organizations to support sustainable development in your communities,” Purisima said.