Roxas and Taytay, Palawan — Strengthening its commitment to peacebuilding and inclusive development in conflict-affected communities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA formally launched the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) program in select municipalities of Palawan from March 16 to 24, 2026.

The activity marked a significant step in expanding the government’s peace and development interventions in the province, particularly in geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas. It also reinforced the role of local government units (LGUs) as key partners in implementing sustainable livelihood initiatives under the LGU-Led Livelihood Program.

As part of the rollout, DSWD MIMAROPA, through the PDBBM Regional Program Management Office, conducted a series of municipal orientations to discuss the program’s guiding principles, implementation framework, and timeline. The orientations also emphasized the important role of the Municipal Inter-Agency Committee (MIAC) in ensuring effective local coordination, convergence, and community participation in project implementation.

A major highlight of the activity was the presentation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which outlined the commitments and counterpart responsibilities of participating LGUs in support of the program. During the activity, the municipalities of Roxas and Taytay, Palawan formally signed the MOA, signifying their full support and commitment to the implementation of the PAMANA LGU-Led Livelihood Projects in their respective areas.

Under the initiative, six communities are set to receive seed fund capital amounting to Php 300,000.00 per cycle for three years to support priority livelihood projects identified through community-based enterprise proposals. These livelihood interventions are intended to help strengthen community resilience, improve household income opportunities, and promote long-term social and economic reintegration.

The activity brought together municipal officials, representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), People’s Associations, community leaders, and other key stakeholders, all of whom expressed their commitment to sustaining the gains of the program and ensuring that development efforts remain responsive to the needs of conflict-affected populations.

For this year’s implementation, the PAMANA LGU-Led Livelihood Program will focus on the welfare and protection of Former Members of Non-State Armed Groups (FMNSAGs) by developing inclusive interventions and strengthening local partnerships that will support their reintegration and improve their access to livelihood opportunities and essential services.

In addition to former members of armed groups, the program also aims to benefit adults and children affected by armed conflict, as well as vulnerable families in isolated and underserved communities. Through this approach, the program seeks to ensure that no sector is left behind in the government’s peace and development agenda.

Regional Director Benchie B. Gonzales underscored the importance of local ownership and convergence in the implementation of community-based livelihood projects.

“One of the key aspects in implementing the PAMANA LGU-Led Livelihood Project is ensuring strong partnerships with non-government organizations and national government agencies under the convergence program. Mahalaga rin na ang bawat pamilya sa komunidad ay aktibong nakikilahok sa mga talakayan at pagpaplano upang matiyak na ang mga proyektong ipatutupad ay tunay na tumutugon sa kanilang pangangailangan,” Gonzales said.

Through the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) program, DSWD MIMAROPA reaffirms its long-term commitment to promoting peace, protecting vulnerable sectors, and advancing inclusive and sustainable development in communities affected by conflict.

By strengthening local institutions, supporting community-led enterprises, and expanding access to opportunities, the agency continues to help build safer, more resilient, and more empowered communities across the MIMAROPA region.