DSWD Enhances Conflict-Sensitive Training for Mindanao Personnel
DAVAO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is intensifying efforts to prepare its personnel for engagement with former conflict-affected and vulnerable communities in Mindanao. The agency is currently conducting a four-day conflict-sensitive training program aimed at equipping 85 selected staff members with the necessary skills and knowledge to support peace-building initiatives.
According to sources familiar with the matter, this initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote inclusive and sustainable peace in the region. The participants include a mix of existing and newly hired personnel from DSWD regional offices in Central Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao. The training focuses on understanding complex conflict dynamics such as Moro movements, communist insurgency, and local disputes, and how these issues affect individuals and communities.
Key Components of the Conflict-Sensitive Training
DSWD-Region 12 officials shared that the program is integrated within the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) initiative, which is currently piloted across three regions. While the Davao region has not yet been included in the pilot, plans are underway to extend the program there.
Many communities in the pilot areas have historically been affected by conflict involving communist insurgents, Moro separatist groups, and extremist elements. However, reports indicate that insurgency levels have declined due to coordinated government interventions involving multiple agencies.
The PDBBM complements other peace programs such as the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan initiative, normalization efforts for decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants, transformation programs for the Moro National Liberation Front, the Kapatiran initiatives, and strategies targeting violent extremism and dismantling private armed groups. These efforts are carried out in close collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
Support for Decommissioned Combatants and Their Families
A dedicated PDBBM staff member will be stationed in areas with decommissioned combatants to handle profiling and case management, ensuring that targeted interventions reach their families.
Having served as a mayor in a conflict-affected town, a local government leader highlighted the crucial role of conflict sensitivity training. He emphasized its potential to guide government workers and local officials in addressing the complex impacts of conflict within their communities.
He suggested, “Many conflicts started from mere misunderstanding and failure of leaders to understand how a simple problem could evolve into a full-blown conflict.” Drawing from his firsthand experience, he witnessed how wars devastated communities, disrupted livelihoods, hampered local economies, and interrupted the education of children.
Looking Ahead: Building Capacity for Peace
Officials hope that the training will deepen participants’ understanding of conflict dynamics and enhance their skills, enabling them to contribute more effectively to cohesive and impactful program implementation across all regions.
As the DSWD continues to strengthen its personnel’s capabilities through conflict-sensitive approaches, the agency underscores its commitment to fostering lasting peace and development in Mindanao.
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