BALER, Aurora (PIA) — Government education assistance is giving children of former rebels in Aurora a better chance to finish their studies, pursue stable jobs, and build a future beyond the hardships their families once experienced.
Novelyn Fernandez, one of the 125 student-grantees, said the financial aid will help her pay her remaining school balance and cover expenses not covered by her existing scholarship.
She thanked the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) for the support, which helps her pursue her goal of completing her education, securing a good job, and eventually helping her community.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa OPAPRU dahil nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapag-aral. Sobrang laking tulong po talaga yung binigay nila sa amin na pera para maibayad sa remaining balance sa school namin. Sobrang malaking tulong para sa amin na may pinansyal na [pagkukunan upang] maipagpatuloy ang aming pag-aaral,” Novelyn said.
OPAPRU, together with the provincial government of Aurora, has completed distributing ?2.5 million in educational assistance to 125 grantees under its Educational Assistance Program, funded by the Aurora Peace and Development Center Sustainment Fund.
The beneficiaries include former rebels, their children, and other qualified family members; each of the 125 grantees received ?20,000 to help cover their educational expenses.
Meanwhile, For Ka Bebang, a former rebel from Dipaculao, Aurora, educational assistance gives the children of former rebels a chance to pursue better opportunities and build lives as productive members of mainstream society.
She urged the student-grantees to prioritize their studies, complete their education, and make responsible decisions to prepare for employment and become self-reliant members of their communities.
Ka Bebang said she hopes the younger generation will have better opportunities than their parents, particularly in finding decent work after leaving armed groups and reintegrating into mainstream society.
“’Wag na natin danasin ’yung dinanas ng mga magulang natin na bumaba ng bundok ngunit hindi nakahanap ng maayos na trabaho. Ito na iyong pagkakataon natin na patunayan sa kanila na bahagi din tayo ng pagbabalik-loob ng mga magulang natin sa mainstream society. At lagi natin aalalahanin ang tatahakin na landas ng mga anak ng former rebels ay hindi na ’yung dati,” she said.
Through its Transformation Program, OPAPRU supports the reintegration of former rebels and their families into mainstream society by helping address their educational needs and giving the next generation better opportunities to pursue their aspirations. (Bonifacio P. Olit)
