DSWD presents peace, dev’t programs at UN-sponsored dialogue on extremism
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has presented its peace and development programs at a United Nations-sponsored regional conference in Penang, Malaysia.
DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns Alan Tanjusay represented Secretary Rex Gatchalian during a three-day regional dialogue that commenced on Tuesday.
At the plenary session of the Southeast Asian Regional Conference on Multisectoral Partnership, Tanjusay shared the agency’s programs specifically designed for former rebels and former violent extremists.
The said peace and development programs are also inclusive to the families of the returnees, as well as to the Children in Situations of Armed Conflict and Children in Armed Conflict, the DSWD said in a press release on their website.
“The secret to DSWD’s success with its peace and development programs is the combination of its dedicated social workers and efficient development workers, and the determination of the Marcos administration’s peace agenda strategy,” Tanjusay said.
He highlighted that the “strong case management tools” utilized by their social workers are a significant component of the overall peace agenda.
The Undersecretary further shared the DSWD’s various interventions such as emergency food and cash assistance, modified shelter assistance with a cash-for-work program, and the sustainable livelihood program.
He also talked about community-driven approaches for rehabilitating the surrenderees and reintegrating them into the communities.
“These strategies help nurture peace, embrace development, drive local investments, and generate employment in geographically isolated, conflict-affected and vulnerable areas across the Philippines,” he said.
The conference engaging key stakeholders in the region to address the multifaceted challenges posed by violent extremism will conclude on Thursday, the DSWD noted.
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