JOLO, SULU – After a year that the DSWD XII completed the final phase of decommissioning process to more than 5,000 decommissioned combatants (DCs) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the agency through Normalization Program conducted a monitoring activity known as ‘Kamustahan’ to see if their lives improved as a result of the financial package distribution.

Jomar, not his real name, is one of the recipients of the P80K Bangsamoro Transitory Family Support Package and P20K Livelihood Settlement Grant said that he established a secondhand clothing business that is currently operating today.

“Ukay-ukay ang pinili kong business. Kahit paunti-unti ang kita, dito ko na kinukuha ang pang-allowance sa apat kong anak na nagaaral,” Jormar said.

He also mentioned that since he did not get formal education, he wants his children to have one someday.

Meanwhile, Ramon, 59, said that he invested the P50K to build a ‘bangka’ a type of vessel that is famous in their locality for fishing or for transporting goods that is managed by his son.

“Kada buwan simula noong natapos ang bangka, nagpapadala ang anak ko ng dalawang sakong bigas sa pamilya namin. Malaking tulong na ito sa pangangailangan namin.”

Norhata Benito, head of Normalization Program said that this ‘Kamustahan’ is part of the aftercare program under Executive Order No. 79 signed by former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte in coordination with the DSWD Field Office IX, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity, Provincial Local Government Unit and Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.

The three-week re-engagement activity will be in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the nearby areas.