A total of 92 two college students from former rebel families and conflict-affected communities in Aurora received P1.84 million in educational assistance under a government peacebuilding program aimed at supporting long-term reintegration and development.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), in partnership with the provincial government of Aurora, distributed the assistance on May 18 to scholars under the province’s Peace and Development Center.
Each beneficiary received P20,000 through OPAPRU’s Educational Assistance Program to help cover school-related expenses and provide stronger opportunities for students to complete their education.
The recipients include former rebels, their children, and other qualified family members. Thirty-nine beneficiaries came from the Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag area, while 53 were from Central Aurora, particularly San Luis, Maria Aurora, Baler, and Dipaculao.
The education assistance forms part of OPAPRU’s Transformation Program, which seeks to address the reintegration, socio-economic, and human development needs of former rebels, their families, and communities.
The program recognizes education as a key pathway to breaking cycles of vulnerability and helping families move toward self-reliance, empowerment, and productive participation in their communities.
During community engagements, a former rebel and Indigenous Peoples beneficiary known as “Kuya Baygon” said his main dream was for his child to finish college.
“Ang pangarap ko lang ay makapagtapos ang anak ko sa kolehiyo para hindi sila maging mangmang tulad namin na na-recruit ng CPP-NPA-NDF,” he said.
For beneficiaries, the assistance is seen not only as financial support but also as protection against vulnerability and a chance to build a future away from conflict.
Judy Ann, a peace leader and beneficiary, said the cost of education remains a heavy burden for students from low-income families.
“Napakahirap pong mag-aral lalo na kung limitado ang resources at kakayahang pinansyal. Marami pong gastusin para sa mga research, libro, school materials, at projects, bukod pa sa pamasahe, baon, at mahabang oras ng pagpupuyat upang makasabay sa mga akademikong gawain,” she said.
“May mga pagkakataon ding kapos maging sa pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. Kaya naman, napakalaking tulong po ng educational assistance na inyong ipinagkakaloob sa amin. Dahil dito, lalo po kaming nagsisikap na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral upang magkaroon ng mas magandang oportunidad at maayos na kinabukasan sa buhay,” she added.
OPAPRU said the initiative reflects the government’s continuing commitment to holistic support for former rebels and their families through education, livelihood, healing and reconciliation, and community development.
The Peace and Development Center in Aurora also serves as a convergence platform for national agencies, local government units, and partner institutions to ensure that assistance remains responsive to the actual needs of former rebels and their communities.
Guided by the theme “Pag-aaral para sa Mas Mapayapang Kinabukasan,” the program seeks to help beneficiaries pursue a new path toward peace, opportunity, and sustainable development.