THE OFFICE of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Monday said it is accelerating its Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Transformation Program in Basilan as part of its commitment to peace and development of the former conflict-affected province.
In a news release, the agency said some 400 MNLF combatants underwent security paper validation, as well as attended orientations from Oct. 12 to 13 that would qualify them for a cash-for-work program, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) membership and study grants for their children.
The OPAPRU said the benefits are under the socioeconomic component of the MNLF Transformation Program.
Since September 2022, the OPAPRU, through its MNLF Peace Process Office, has verified, validated and profiled 1,963 members so that they and their qualified next-of-kin can avail of the socioeconomic package.
The program was created to support the transition of MNLF combatants and their families into peaceful and productive members of society, and the transformation of their areas into secure, progressive and resilient communities.
Under the socioeconomic component, MNLF combatants need to undergo a validation and verification process and a socioeconomic assessment to qualify them as beneficiaries.
After profiling and assessment, each combatant will receive cash assistance worth PH45,000 and a food package from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
For the second phase of the socioeconomic process, the Philippine Statistics Authority reviews and validates the security papers of profiled MNLF combatants for authentication so they can register for civil registration and obtain birth, marriage and death certificates.
With PhilHealth support, the profiled members will receive premium health insurance coverage under a sponsored health program that would also benefit their qualified dependents.
During the Oct. 12 to 13 rollout, profiled combatants received their PhilHealth IDs, validated their membership data record for their dependents and were oriented on the premium health insurance and other services they can avail.
Meanwhile, DSWD-Field Office IX oriented them on the cash-for-work program which will allow qualified MNLF combatants to work for 15 to 30 days in their communities with pay based on the prevailing wage rate.
The Mindanao State University-Maguindanao also held peace sessions and an orientation on the MNLF Study Grant Program. Around 58 students, who are children of the profiled MNLF combatants, participated in the validation process. (Priam Nepomuceno)
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