(THE NORTHERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT)
TACLOBAN CITY – The province of Northern Samar was honored as the best Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) implementer during the 7th Founding Anniversary of the National Task Force Balik-Loob held on May 21, 2025, at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Jenny Darish, provincial social welfare and development officer, received the award on behalf of Governor Edwin Ongchuan, who chairs the Northern Samar E-CLIP Committee.
The recognition highlights the province’s outstanding and holistic implementation of E-CLIP, particularly in addressing the legal and security concerns of former rebels; providing tailored support services such as financial aid, livelihood assistance, document processing, and medical care; engaging municipal LGUs and community stakeholders during reintegration; strengthening inter-agency collaboration, coordination, and documentation; and ensuring ongoing monitoring and evaluation to sustain results.
Governor Ongchuan credited the success to a unified effort of various government agencies and partners, notably the DILG-Northern Samar Provincial Office under Provincial Director Geraldine C. Maquelabit; the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) led by PCOL Sonnie Omengan; the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade under BGEN Efren Morados, Municipal LGUs, and the community organizations across the province.
“This award reflects our shared commitment to peace, security, and inclusive development,” Ongchuan said.
E-CLIP is a flagship reintegration program of the government that aims to help former rebels return to mainstream society through comprehensive support, thereby addressing the root causes of insurgency.
Maquelabit reaffirmed the DILG’s dedication to peacebuilding, emphasizing the agency’s consistent involvement in all stages of the reintegration process.
Also recognized during the event was Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Barangay (SAMAKABA) from Lope de Vega, named as the Best People’s Organization-partner in the region for its role in supporting reintegrated individuals and promoting peace within the community.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
