As one of the lead agencies in the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP under Executive Order No.70, series of 2018 (EO 70), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol, in collaboration with the 903rd Infantry “Patriot” Brigade and the Office of the Vice President, provided educational assistance to a total of 96 students-in-crisis from Castilla, Sorsogon.

The identified beneficiaries were children and relatives of former rebels who are currently under the care of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The agency, through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program aims to support the reintegration of former rebels by providing educational assistance to their children and families.

This initiative is part of the government’s collective efforts to strengthen communities affected by conflict and to continue promoting peace and development in these areas.

Essential to EO70 is the E-CLIP which is designed to persuade members of armed groups to abandon armed conflict and transition to civilian life. E-CLIP facilitates their access to government programs and services, empowering them to begin afresh.

To realize its objective of achieving lasting and peaceful resolution of all armed conflicts involving non-state armed groups, Regional Task Forces on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCACs), consisting of various government agencies, were established to fulfill their respective mandates.

“DSWD Bicol’s involvement to RTF-ELCAC is directed towards delivering social protection services to fulfill the goals of the EO70, particularly for its intended beneficiaries in conflict-affected areas and their families,” RD Norman Laurio explained.

All beneficiaries received PHP 3,000 each of educational assistance from the agency disbursing a total amount of PHP 288,000.#