In Samar

Governor
Sharee Ann Tan

TACLOBAN CITY-As part of its continuing push for peace and reintegration, the provincial government of Samar formally turned over 17 housing units to former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) during the 39th founding anniversary celebration of the 801st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army on July 2, 2025.

The beneficiaries are now active peace advocates, having surrendered to government authorities in recent years through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a national initiative aimed at supporting the transition of former communist insurgents to civilian life.

In her message during the ceremony, Governor Sharee Ann Tan thanked the former rebels for choosing the path of peace and reintegration.

“To our former rebels, thank you for choosing a more peaceful life. You are the living witnesses to how your lives have been better since your return,” she said.

Governor Tan also announced the provincial government’s plan to expand its “Saad nga Balay” housing initiative to accommodate more returnees and sustain the gains of the government’s peace and development programs. She encouraged those still in the mountains to lay down their arms and rejoin society.

Of the 17 units turned over, seven are located in San Jose de Buan under the “Saad nga Balay Para ha Peacebuilders” project. These new units bring the total number of completed houses in the area to 17, with each 150-square-meter unit constructed at a cost of P250,000.

Meanwhile, the remaining 10 newly built housing units in Calbiga were also handed over during the event. Each of these homes was built at a slightly higher cost of P280,000 per unit, possibly due to terrain or logistical factors.

The housing program is part of the province’s broader strategy to promote peace and development in former conflict-affected communities, especially in remote towns like San Jose de Buan and Calbiga — both previously known as strongholds of the NPA.

The turnover was held at the headquarters of the 801st Brigade in Hinabangan town which has played a key role in facilitating the surrender and transition of former insurgents in Samar.

Since 2021, the Samar provincial government, in partnership with the military and national government agencies, has been aggressively implementing localized peace initiatives through infrastructure support, livelihood programs, and community reintegration services for former rebels and their families.

(JOEY A. GABIETA/ROEL T. AMAZONA)