When I was the NEDA Regional Executive Director of Region IX, Western Mindanao and the economic braintrust of Rear Admiral Romulo M. Espaldo, the SOUTHCOM Commanding Officer ,I joined the peace talks that were held in Muslim seccessionist-held areas. One of the features of the Peace Talks with the rebels was the briefing of those who attended such peace talks which invited not only the rebels but also the residents of the towns where the venue of the peace talks were to be held.
As NEDA boss, I structured a simple briefing with diagrams and audio-visual illustrations what public services the government is offering for free to all Filipinos. We underscore the services of Health, Social Services, Local Governance and Civil Service, the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, DILG, and the Education Department.
Awarding of Certificates of Attendance: Those who attended such briefings (meals and snacks provided, later followed by free medical and dental services) were given individual certificates of attendance with their names printed on the certificates by NEDA illustrators. For muslims who never attended any public or private school education, especially those who have not yet any Madrasa Training, the receipt of such a certificate with their own names printed on the certificates was a valued document. Even those who attended Madrasa Training were grateful to received such certificates with their names beautifully written inscript on the certificate. Some were even in tears for this is the first time they received a piece of paper with their own names printed on it. They were proud to display such document and encouraged others to join the peace talk briefings so that they too can receive such Certificate of Attendance beautifully printed in paper usually made for Collega Graduation Certificates.
Unfortunately when I was transferred to Region Eight my NEDA replacement did not follow the practice. So we lost the opportunity to foster a meaningful relationship with the rebels and their relatives in this gesture of imparting recognition of their valued personal identity and show that the government cares for them.
Lindy C. Morrell, Ph.D
Retired NEDA Regional Executive Director
