SAFE SHELTER. A halfway house for former New People's Army rebels will be constructed in Ligao City, Albay province. 1st District Board Member and lawyer Sheina Marie Onrubia-Dela Cruz said on Wednesday (Aug. 14, 2024) the facility can accommodate 15 families and will be constructed next year at the cost of PHP5 million. (Photo from Sheina Marie Onrubia-Dela Cruz's Facebook page)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Albay has unanimously approved a resolution allowing the construction of a PHP5-million halfway house for former New People's Army (NPA) rebels.
In a phone interview on Wednesday, Albay 1st District Board Member and Committee chair on Laws, Rules, and Oversight, lawyer Sheina Marie Onrubia-Dela Cruz, said the project that was approved during their last session on Tuesday is part of a package and assistance program being administered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
"The Local Government Code mandates that local government units provide social welfare services, including programs for former rebels (FRs) and former violent extremists. The provincial government will also have a counterpart and will be determined by the provincial social welfare and development office and the engineering office," Dela Cruz said.
She said construction of the facility that could accommodate 15 families will start next year in Ligao City, near the Albay Provincial Drug Rehabilitation and Treatment Facility.
Dela Cruz said aside from the shelter, other necessary support such as counseling, vocational training, livelihood programs, and access to healthcare services, shall also be provided to the former NPA members.
"Through the facility, the FRs are expected to have a secure and supportive environment as they transition to a new life, reducing the risk of relapse. They can reconnect with their families and communities through the various programs. This will help foster a sense of citizenship and participation through family reunification and healing, which is essential for the emotional stability of FRs," she added.
The halfway house will have rooms designated for women and children, a breastfeeding area, prayer rooms for Muslims and members of other religions, and standard rooms for persons with disabilities. (PNA)
