DOFRA Handover Focuses on Local Support for Former Rebels

MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL — The Davao Oriental Former Rebel Association (DOFRA) was formally handed over to the municipal governments of Manay and Caraga on September 29, under an arrangement intended to coordinate government support for the association and its members at the local level.

Thirteen former rebels took part in the ceremony, which was attended by Manay Mayor Ronie S. Osnan, Caraga Mayor Jon Marco M. Dayanghirang, and representatives from municipal offices handling social welfare, local government operations and development planning. The 66th Infantry Battalion and the 1001st Infantry Brigade facilitated the activity.

Under the arrangement, the municipal governments may coordinate support through their respective Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices and Municipal Planning and Development Offices.

Livelihood assistance is one area the association’s members may explore through existing government programs. These include the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity’s Cacao-Preneur Livelihood Program, the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD), the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), and livelihood and employment assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The DSWD’s livelihood program has previously assisted beneficiaries in both municipalities. In Manay, 667 participants received ₱15,000 each in seed capital for livelihood projects in February 2024. In Caraga, four associations received a combined ₱600,000 in seed capital in 2025 for businesses that included motor parts and hardware, rice retailing, agricultural supplies and general merchandise.

Agricultural livelihood projects have also been recorded in Manay and Caraga through DA-SAAD, including corn and layer-chicken production, abaca and goat raising. The Cacao-Preneur program, meanwhile, offers a potential avenue for assistance in cacao production, farm management, product processing and market development. Qualified applicants may also seek livelihood starter kits or temporary employment through applicable DOLE programs.

Support for DOFRA members’ families may extend beyond livelihood projects. The DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) provides eligible applicants with assistance for medical, burial, educational, transportation and food needs. Qualified households may also apply for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offers vocational training, competency assessment and possible scholarship opportunities.

DOFRA chapters and members may approach the relevant municipal offices to inquire about referrals and available programs.

DOFRA is a province-wide organization of former rebels with municipal chapters and members across Davao Oriental. The association brings together former rebels who participate in government-supported livelihood initiatives and community development efforts as they rebuild their lives and reintegrate into civilian communities.