Development activities for ex-rebels to continue

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. has assured that various developmental activities for rebel returnees and vulnerable communities in the Bicol region will continue under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program in 2026.

During a recent visit to the 9th Infantry Division headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur, the chief of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) announced the approval of new Pamana proposals set to be implemented in 2026.

These projects include housing for former rebels in Bulan, Sorsogon, and the construction of a commercial building for a People’s Organization in Naga City, which was severely impacted by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” that caused flooding in the region in October 2024.

Galvez said that they have allocated P258 million for this purpose in 2026

Pamana is a program of the national government that is two-pronged—to alleviate poverty in the poorest rural areas in the country and counter the influence of communist terrorists in isolated and hard-to-reach communities.

Galvez said that the peace initiative has yielded positive results in addressing the root causes of armed conflict.

“Nakikita natin, maganda ang effect nya kasi yong mga kalsada na hindi napupuntahan, ngayon maayos na, pati water system. Meron tayong mga projects ngayon sa mga rebel returnees,” Galvez said.

(We can see that the effects have been positive—roads that were once inaccessible have now been improved, and water systems have been developed. We also have ongoing projects for rebel returnees.)

He continued: “Pwede nating ibigay from 2026 [budget] yong mga pabahay sa 53 na rebel returness at saka yong educational assistance program natin sa rebel returness at vulnerable communities, especially yong mga IPs,” Galvez said.

(Starting in 2026, we will allocate a budget for housing assistance for 53 rebel returnees, as well as for our educational assistance program aimed at returnees and vulnerable communities, particularly indigenous peoples.)

Galvez noted that from 2011 to 2023, P3.1 billion was allocated for Pamana projects. In 2024, Bicol received P8.74 million, with an additional P700 million allocated for 2025. He also shared his plan to propose P3 billion in funding for Bicol over the next three years.

“We are proposing to our Congress and the Senate, in our National Expenditure Program, to increase our budget by at least P800 million to P1 billion per year from 2026 to 2028, aiming for a total of P3 billion. We have identified the Bicol region, along with Samar, as critical areas that need attention,” Galvez added.

In Bicol, Pamana projects have been implemented in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, particularly in communities affected by armed conflict.

These projects include the construction of road networks, provision of livelihood support, establishment of water systems, building of school facilities, and improvement of health services.

Galvez urged all local government units, as well as national agencies in the regions and provinces, to actively engage in localized peace initiatives to address the concerns and needs of rebel returnees as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.

“Maganda ang ginagawa natin ngayon, as there is a complete change of mindset,” he said.

(We are doing great work now, as there is a complete change of mindset.)

He added: “And we want to change the lives of many people especially ‘yung mga taong nasa laylayan, nagbibigay tayo ng capacity building, nagbibigay tayo ng tinatawag na educational skills para magkaroon sila ng trabaho –kasi yon ang directive ng ating mahal na Presidente (Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.): more jobs, more people to feed, at the same time tataas ang prosperity ng ating mga kababayan.”

(We want to improve the lives of many people, especially those on the margins. We are providing capacity building and educational skills training to help them find employment—this is the directive of our esteemed President (Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.): more jobs, more people to feed, and at the same time, increasing the prosperity of our fellow citizens.)

During the conference, Galvez instructed Army commanders to closely monitor projects that began in 2024 to ensure their timely and effective implementation. (PIA Bicol)

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. visited the 9th Infantry Division headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur. He discussed OPAPRU’s ongoing projects in the Bicol Region, including updates on Local Peace Engagement efforts and the Road Transformation Program. (Credits: DPAO/9ID PA)