Davao Oriental Unveils ‘Benchmarkable’ Practice

Being consistent to the thrust of peace and development, the provincial government of Davao Oriental inaugurated the Bal’lay Duwaan at the Happy Home-Halfway House Processing Center for former rebels on May 6, 2019 at Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan, Mati City.

Born out of the passion for peace and strengthened family ties, the facility was designed to be a learning shelter for the children of former rebels.

“I know how you long to be with your family, with your children, enjoy every moment with them, happily watch them grow and be with them in the important occasions in their lives,” explained Van Jorain Rufin, president of the Youth for Peace Movement in Davao Oriental and the main proponent of the project.

Rufin added that they won’t go for daily sessions for the children, but definitely, they will have regular activities for them.

“The facility has three components, comprising of the Kamunaan Learning Center, the playhouse, and gardening. We are still on the first phase. We are implementing it depending on the availability of funds of the province,” he said.

Private Matteo Guidicelli, the special guest of the occasion, lauded the provincial government for establishing the Happy Home, and now, the Bal’lay Duwaan.

Guideccelli, a film and television star, challenged the former rebels. “You are fortunate that the provincial government has provided you with these centers. So, if there are members of your family and friends who are still in the movement, convince them to return to the folds of the law. What good will their life in the movement give them? Nothing. So, persuade them.”

After the inaugural program, Guidicelli happily joined the children at the learning center, as they looked amazed at the toys and school stuffs prepared for them.

From 30 projects pitched by Mindanao youth and non-youth serving organizations, Bal’lay Duwaan, a transition shelter project of the Youth for Peace Movement, bagged the grand prize in the 1st Angat-Buhay Youth Mindanao 2018 Summit held in Cagayan de Oro City last year.

The grand prize included P25,000 in cash, and a slot to the Asia Pacific Youth Exchange in Seoul, Korea with Vice President Leni Robredo in August last year.

Being the first province in the country to establish the facility, it is expected that officials of other local government units will again be coming to the Davao Oriental to study and replicate its latest best practice.

As Governor Nelson Dayanghirang stressed: “There is no stopping Davao Oriental in its relentless efforts to attain and sustain peace and development.”

The inauguration was also graced by DILG Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Sarah Gudes, 701st Brigade Commanding Officer Col. Manuel Sequitin, 28th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Alexander Banatao, and the Philippine Army’s Public Affairs Chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala. (Contributed by Neela Duallo/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan)