CATBALOGAN CITY -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the 8th Infantry ‘Stormtroopers’ Division, Philippine Army officially turned over the maintenance and operations of the Peace House coined as ‘Sentro Han Bayanihan Para Han Kamurayaw Ha Samar’ to the Samar Provincial Local Government Unit on May 31.

Alma Austero of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) presented the manual operations of the peace house for the Province of Samar as the Certificate of Turnover and Acceptance of Peace House was received by Anita Taran, the officer in-charge provincial administrator of the Provincial Government of Samar on behalf of Governor Reynolds Michael T. Tan. 

The Peace House worth P4,500,000 was part of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) funded project conceptualized in 2017 that aims to provide appropriate social-economic interventions, quality programs and services to former rebels that will help them restore their psycho-social functioning and become productive and peaceful Samareños.

On behalf of the 8ID commander, Brigadier General Zosimo A. Oliveros, assistant division commander, cited the importance of the Sentro Han Bayanihan Para Han Kamurayaw Ha Samar and emphasized that the transient quarters for the former rebels will be the venue for their transformation.

“Para sa mga nagbalik-loob na ating mga kapatid, kahit gaano kaganda ng ating istraktura kung hindi naman taos-puso  yung ating mga kapatid sa kanilang bahagi na magbagong buhay ay mawawalan ng saysay yung ating mga ginagawa,” Oliveros said.

On the other hand, Imelda C. Bonifacio, program manager of OPAPRU Region 8, discussed the necessary interventions such as livelihood programs and alternative livelihood opportunities to expedite their reintegration process in mainstream society.

“The journey of peace is not an easy task, we may experience all the hardships and challenges but now is not the time to stop. We are now succeeding and reaping the gains of peace,” Bonifacio said.

On behalf of Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity and Director Cesar D. De Mesa, PAMANA National Program Management Department, Bonifacio thanked the men and women of 8ID, the Philippine National Police, the 546th Engineering Battalion, and the unwavering support of the Provincial Government of Samar for the realization of the said project. (8ID)