A total of 150 families, including members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and residents from conflict-vulnerable communities in Zamboanga del Norte, are starting anew after receiving housing units from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
“Ngayong araw, itong mga tulong at proyekto na matatanggap ninyo ay hindi lang galing sa pamahalaan—ito ay bunga rin ng inyong pagsisikap. Kaya atin po itong alagaan at pagyamanin,” Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the DSWD’s Peace and Development Group (PDG) said as he read the message of Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
The turnover of housing units under the Modified Shelter Assistance Project (MSAP) was held on Wednesday (October 1) across six barangays in the municipality of Sirawai in Zamboanga del Norte—benefiting 39 MNLF and MILF members and 111 community members from conflict-vulnerable and affected areas.
The beneficiaries also took part in the cash-for-work (CFW) program, where they helped in building the houses. Each participant worked for 30 days and received a daily wage of Php351.
To further strengthen livelihood opportunities, two livelihood associations—Sipakit and Panabutan—were also provided with seed capital funds under the PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) Program, empowering conflict-affected communities through sustainable income projects and peace-promoting economic initiatives.
“Ang DSWD, sa liderato ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian, ay mananatiling kasama ninyo—hindi mapapagod, hindi magsasawa, at hindi titigil sa pagsisilbi. Ipagpapatuloy po namin ang pagpapalawak ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa mga lugar na minsang nakaranas ng sigalot, para ang bawat isa ay muling makaramdam ng buhay na matiwasay at puno ng pag-asa,” Undersecretary Tanjusay said.
Zamboanga del Norte Governor Darel Dexter Uy expressed gratitude to the DSWD and OPAPRU for delivering homes that are not only eco-friendly but also able to withstand natural hazards—providing beneficiaries with long-term security.
The ceremony was attended by DSWD Field Office 9 – Zamboanga Peninsula Asst. Regional Director for Operations Ma. Socorro Macaso and the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) National Program Management Office.
Representatives from OPAPRU and Zamboanga del Norte provincial and municipal leaders also joined the turnover ceremony. (YADP)
