The City Government of Davao, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), reaffirms its commitment to reintegrate former rebels by continuously providing comprehensive assistance through the Kalinaw Village.
The Kalinaw Village serves as a halfway home where former rebels reside immediately after surrender.
The initiative is a vital tool for transforming the lives of former insurgents through a holistic program that prepares them physically, mentally, and spiritually for reintegration into the community.
Claudette Ivy Duero-Matarong, Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Coordinator, in an interview with city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio said that 22 former rebels are scheduled to be accommodated at the Kalinaw Village.
She said that since it started operating in February 2021, Kalinaw Village has catered to approximately 130 former rebels.
She also said the Kalinaw Village offers a range of support services- including psychosocial and medical services and livelihood and skills training programs.
“Isa man gud sa ginahatag sa E-CLIP program is ang livelihood. At least makabalo sila unsaon nila maka-provide sa family. Mahatagan pod sila’g basic business management training or orientation para kabalo sila unsaon pagdumala sa ilahang income (One of the things the E-CLIP program provides is livelihood. At least they will know how to provide for their family. They will also receive orientation or basic business management training to help them manage their income),” she said.
The beneficiaries typically reside in the facility for three to six months, during which time they receive comprehensive support before they are reintegrated back into society.
The program is inclusive and accepts former rebels regardless of their place of origin, reflecting the city’s approach to addressing insurgency issues.
Duero-Matarong also said the Kalinaw Village has established a partnership with the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to offer educational opportunities to youth and adults. The collaboration ensures that the beneficiaries can continue their studies, complementing the religious and spiritual interventions that form part of the program’s holistic approach.
The CSWDO and its partners remain dedicated to the creation of sustainable opportunities for former rebels, making the Kalinaw Village a model for community reintegration and community building. CIO
