THE CITY and the Department of Local Government inaugurated the newly completed temporary residential facility for New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who have returned to the fold of the law.
Called the Kalinaw Village, the residential facility is located in Barangay Mahayag, Bunawan District, and serves as the temporary home for the ex-cadres while undergoing transitional activities before they reintegrate into their community and families.
The city government and the DILG have allocated P10 million for the facility.
In her message, Mayor Sara Duterte hoped that the Kalinaw Village would be instrumental in the former rebels’ transition to a better future.
“May this home lives up to its name and serve its purpose, and that all who come here may be motivated and empowered to improve their lives, and develop their skills to make a better future for themselves and families – to find kalinaw padulong sa hayag nga kaugmaon (to find light towards a bright future,) she said.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is in-charge of running the halfway home.
The mayor also thanked the city’s partners for making the project possible. They include the Peace 911 and its partner agencies, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“We thank you for laying a bright future for our former rebels as they maneuver their way back to their respective families and communities with the confidence to start anew in peace. Through the Kalinaw Village’s feature units for safety protection, psycho-social intervention, capability building and employment, home line services, monitoring, and evaluation, we hope to equip them with opportunities aligned with their desire for a better, safer way of life,” the mayor said.
Present during the ceremony were CSWDO chief Marlisa Gallo, DILG city director Vicky P. Sarcena, 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander Gen. Nolasco A. Mempin, and Davao City Police Office director Col. Kirby John Kraft.
