In his first official activity as the country’s ambassador for peace and unity, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is scheduled on May 19 to grace the integration of a group of rebels to mainstream society in General Santos City.
Pacquiao, widely praised for unifying the nation during his bouts abroad, will join President Arroyo during the presentation of the former rebels who will avail themselves of the government’s Social Integration Program at the Phela Grande Convention Center in Barangay Dadiangas North, General Santos City.
A native of General Santos City, Pacquiao was designated the special envoy for peace shortly after he returned home from a stunning victory against British fighter Ricky Hatton.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde had explained that Pacquiao’s ambassadorial post involves attending basketball tournaments between soldiers and rebels and other similar local sports events that seek to foster peace and unity in the country.
At the rebels’ presentation, President Arroyo, alongside Presidential adviser on the peace process Avelino Razon Jr., will distribute P20,000 cash assistance to each of the rebels to allow them to adjust to a new life in society.
The SIP, launched in June, 2008, provides benefits, including a decent livelihood, to rebels who give up their armed struggle against the government.
On top of the P20,000 cash aid, the government also spends another P20,000 for the livelihood training of the rebel returnees. When they complete their training, the rebels will each get P50,000 to help them start their small business.
In all, a former rebel who surrenders a high-powered firearm after undergoing a livelihood training program will receive a total of P140,000.
Apart from the presentation of the former rebels, President Arroyo is due in General Santos City for a regional media interview and a weekly cabinet meeting.
Remonde earlier said the President decided to hold the cabinet meeting in Mindanao following the bombings on the convoys of former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan.
“It is precisely because of this development that the President decided to bring the entire government to Mindanao, which now really requires the focus and attention of the government,” Remonde said.
