TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar’s sustained campaign to end decades-long NPA insurgency — anchored on intensive reintegration programs and community-based peace initiatives — continues to draw nationwide recognition, most recently from the Ilocos Region, whose officials visited the province on Friday, November 21, to learn from its successful model.
The 18-member delegation, led by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Regional Director Paulino Lalata Jr., was composed of E-CLIP committee officials and local government representatives from Region I.
The group studied Northern Samar’s approaches to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other peacebuilding strategies that have contributed to the steady decline of communist armed activities in the province.
Northern Samar, once among the most affected by NPA presence in Eastern Visayas, has gained national attention for its peace and reintegration programs built on strong collaboration between the provincial government, LGUs, the military, and partner agencies.
A major focus of the benchmarking was the “Balay Darangpan”, a halfway house managed by the provincial government for former rebels. Since opening in 2019, it has assisted more than 200 former combatants through personality development activities, healing and debriefing sessions, livelihood and skills training, and preparation for civilian life.
Vice Governor Clarence Dato, speaking on behalf of Governor Edwin Ongchuan, welcomed the delegation and emphasized the province’s commitment to peace.
“Thank you for placing Northern Samar on your radars. May this visit be just the beginning of future exchanges that will help strengthen the programs of our respective LGUs,” Dato said.
Northern Samar was chosen as a benchmarking site after it was named ‘Best E-CLIP Implementer’ by the National Task Force ELCAC and Balik-Loob earlier this year.
The province’s peace framework also includes the ‘Local Social Integration Program (LSIP)’ — implemented as early as 2011, even before the national E-CLIP was institutionalized — offering socio-economic support and psychological services to former rebels.
Other long-term reintegration programs include the ‘Kauswagan Village’ , a settlement site providing housing for former NPA members and their families.
Delegates from the Ilocos Region included DILG provincial directors from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, along with representatives from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and other E-CLIP stakeholders.
Vice Governor Dato noted that the provincial government intends to sustain its anti-insurgency momentum.
“With Governor Harris leading the way toward peace and reconciliation, our E-CLIP and LSIP programs continue to perform well. We are proud to share our experience so others may learn how to address similar challenges,” he added.
Provincial officials reiterated that these initiatives form part of the government’s long-term effort to ensure that former rebels can rebuild their lives — and that lasting peace can take root in Northern Samar.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
