The City Government of Davao, with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), led the awarding of the DILG-administered package of assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) to 15 friends rescued (FRs) on Thursday.
In a brief ceremony in Arcadia, the FRs received P15,000 in financial aid and financial literacy training to help them move forward with improving their own and their families’ futures.
In her welcome remarks, DILG Davao City Director Mika-Chan S. Magtulis said that even though the aid isn’t big, it signifies opportunity, trust, and the start of a new chapter in their lives.
“Kini nga hinabang usa ka timaan nga ang gobyerno andam mutabang kaninyo sa pag-sugod pag-usab ug sa paglig-on sa inyo’ng pamilya ug kaugmaon (This assistance is a testament to the government’s commitment to helping you start anew and in strengthening your families and your future),” she said.
In a message read by City Administrator Atty. Francis Mark Layog, City Mayor Sebastian Duterte urged the FRs to embrace both the opportunities and responsibilities brought by this new chapter of their lives.
“To our friends rescued, we urge you to fully embrace the opportunities and responsibilities this new chapter entails. May these resources be instruments of productivity, leading to a future of lasting prosperity for you and your families,” he said.
“Naghinaot mi nga kining inyong nadawat, makatabang kaninyo sa pagkab-ot og hapsay ug malambuon nga kaugmaon alang kaninyo ug sa inyong tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya (We hope that this assistance will be able to help you build a harmonious and progressive future for your families),” Duterte added.
The City Government of Davao also reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that the peace process and post-conflict reforms remain tangible and inclusive, one that cultivates a sense of belonging for all Dabawenyos, leading to lasting peace and development in the community. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar