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In a continued effort to strengthen grassroots peace-building initiatives, graduate students from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) under the PhD in Extension Education program led a community outreach and assessment mission on December 6, 2025, in Barangay Lamda, Banga, South Cotabato.
The activity, “Strengthening Communities: PhD Extension Education Students’ Initiative for ELCAC Beneficiaries,” sought to evaluate the effectiveness of government interventions provided to individuals formerly associated with armed conflict. These beneficiaries—now recognized as Peace Advocates are part of the national government’s efforts under the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) banner to promote reintegration, reconciliation, and sustainable development at the community level.
Designed as an action-research engagement, the initiative employed a structured assessment framework using Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). Through these methods, students gathered firsthand insights on livelihood assistance, access to education and skills training, social protection services, and the overall experience of beneficiaries transitioning back into peaceful civilian life.
“We are here to help connect you with government interventions and to understand what additional support you may still need,” said Florence Roy Salvaña, PhD student, as he addressed the beneficiaries.
The event was further strengthened by the presence of partner government agencies who reiterated their commitment to long-term peace and community development.
Captain Alex Gacho, commanding Officer Alpha Company, 38IB emphasized inter-agency collaboration in the reintegration process. Addressing the participants, he shared, “The Army serves as a bridge, but the primary support comes from our government institutions, including USM. This integration is for your benefit and your future.”
Representing the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Mary Ann Libria, Project Development Officer IV, underscored the value of academic involvement in peace programs. “We are glad to have USM as a partner in assessing our ‘Friends Rescued.’ We cannot always see every specific need on the ground; this assessment helps identify further interventions the government can extend,” she said.
Demonstrating continued support from the agriculture sector, Mr. Jun Gillermo, Senior Agricultural Specialist from DA Region 12, also delivered a message of reassurance to the beneficiaries. “Naa lang mi dri na taga gobyerno para maghatag ug assistance o tabang para kaninyo,” Gillermo expressed. ( “We in the government are here to provide assistance and support for you.”)
The initiative reflects USM’s commitment to community empowerment, peace promotion, and evidence-based extension work strengthening the bridge between academic institutions and government programs dedicated to building resilient and peaceful communities across Mindanao.
Text: Fatima Corpuz | USM PhD Student
