Bevce Mari J. Ticon, Technical Assistant head of City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) said that the city continues to provide services for them to bolster their economic capacity and prepare for reintegration into the community through the Kalinaw Village.
Ticon said their offigce supervises the Kalinaw village where former rebels undergo series of activities for four to six months.
The Kalinaw Village also offers spiritual and religious activities, and provides psychosocial intervention, educational assistance, and skills training in partnership with various national government offices for the “residents”.
“The moment they enter the Kalinaw Village, they are really very willing to cooperate in the activities because they see that these activities can really help their families once they go back and that they are really well-prepared and will not think to rejoin rebel groups,” Ticon said.
Ticon said that social workers will assess if the residents are ready to be reintegrated into the community and this is done through interviews and until the “tools” used by social workers are satisfied.
According to her, each former rebel has a reintegration plan.
The residents' community social preparation plans are also in place once they return to their communities.
She further said that families of the former rebels can also stay for one night.
During their stay, the rebels' financial assistance from various government offices is also processed and it may be released during or after their stay.
Ticon said many former rebels who finished their programs have established themselves in various contributing fields.
She said some of the rebels have already found jobs, some applied for military and auxiliary support, while others have their own livestock and banana plantation.
Ticon encouraged those who want to seek refuge in the Kalinaw Village to reach out to the local government unit (LGU) and to the police and military.
They can also coordinate with Non-Government Organizations and Civil Service Organizations (CSOs).
Kalinaw Village
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