OPAPRU expands peacebuilding and reintegration programs in Mindanao

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) is intensifying its peacebuilding work in Mindanao, with emphasis on transforming conflict-affected communities and helping former rebels return to mainstream society, according to Edge Davao.

Atty. Elisa D. Evangelista-Lapiña, director IV and head of OPAPRU's Local Conflict Transformation-Field Implementation Support Office, outlined the agency's direction during an orientation and update session with the Davao Press Corps in Davao City on Monday. The session covered the implementation of the Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) and Transformation Program in Mindanao.

Evangelista-Lapiña said the government's work now goes beyond ending armed hostilities. "We are moving beyond simply silencing the guns," she said, adding that the programs aim to rebuild lives and support the reintegration of former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

OPAPRU's main programs include the Localized Peace Engagement and its Transformation Program, along with the Normalization Program for the Bangsamoro and related mechanisms. The agency said these seek to address the root causes of conflict and give former combatants opportunities to become productive members of their communities. The localized initiatives are intended to bring government closer to affected communities, encourage dialogue and create conditions for lasting peace.

Evangelista-Lapiña said the agency also wants to share the milestones, challenges and positive developments from these programs across Mindanao, particularly in the Davao Region. She stressed that lasting peace requires a whole-of-society approach and the participation of sectors beyond government, including the media.

She told reporters that responsible reporting can help ease divisions caused by conflict. "Your commitment to truth, balanced reporting, and storytelling helps dismantle the walls of conflict and builds platforms for dialogue and understanding," she said.

The agency said that lasting peace involves more than the absence of fighting, and includes giving communities the chance to recover, develop and build a more stable future.