The Provincial Government of Cavite, through the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, hosted a warm welcome ceremony for the friendly returnees recently at the SP Session Hall of the Legislative Building in Trece Martires City, Cavite.

The event was part of a larger initiative that provided an extensive package of services aimed at facilitating the seamless reintegration of returnees into the community, addressing their immediate needs and providing a foundation for a brighter future.

Friendly returnees are former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who have voluntarily surrendered to the authorities and expressed their desire to return to the fold of the law and live peacefully with their families.

The provincial government, in coordination with various agencies and partners, has been implementing various programs and projects to assist the returnees in their transition and reintegration process.

The welcome ceremony was attended by Provincial Director of DILG-Cavite, Engr. Danilo A. Nobleza, along with Mr. Patricio Pello, Chief of Staff of Vice Governor Athena Bryana D. Tolentino, who warmly greeted the returning individuals and expressed wholehearted support for their reintegration.

They also handed over the package of services, which included grocery packs and agricultural products from different partners and stakeholders, school supplies for children, and financial assistance from PGC and Department of Social Welfare and Development Office-Regional Office.

The package of services goes beyond mere resettlement, embodying a holistic approach to empower returnees and foster their successful integration in the community.

Additionally, a crucial component of the program involved a concise introduction to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) presented by Ms. Maria May Ambata, the DILG-Cavite E-CLIP Focal Person. Ms. Ambata discussed that E-CLIP goes beyond the provision of fundamental needs, adopting a more expansive strategy aimed at empowering returning individuals and guaranteeing their ongoing success.

This program takes a comprehensive approach, addressing various aspects such as livelihood, education, health, housing, and security to facilitate the smooth reintegration of returnees into their communities and contribute to their sustained well-being.

Furthermore, in attendance at the event were representatives from TESDA, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Statistics Authority, Cavite Police Provincial Office, 202 Brigade of the Philippine Army, and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

Their presence underscored the collaborative nature of the program, bringing together key stakeholders from various sectors to contribute their expertise and support for the comprehensive reintegration efforts.

The diverse representation highlights a collective commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of returning individuals and fostering a supportive environment for their successful reintegration.

Beyond the tangible services provided, the unveiling of this comprehensive package underscores the commitment of the provincial government to create an environment where friendly returnees feel not only accepted but also empowered to rebuild their lives.

The provincial government hopes that the initiative will serve as a model for other local government units to emulate and inspire more friendly returnees to avail of the program and embrace a peaceful and productive life.