CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Sept. 10, 2025, 9:53 pm) – The provincial government of Bukidnon on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, reaffirmed its commitment to support former rebels by outlining new agriculture and economic policies for their reintegration

In a speech during a peace summit here, Governor Rogelio Neil Roque said former rebels can find opportunities in coffee farming and trade, as the provincial government views its Coffee Roadmap as a long-term program.

Roque said the program is one of the many alternatives that the provincial government can offer to former rebels, in addition to existing national government initiatives.

“I encourage the FRs (former rebels) to help as one community to overcome poverty,” Roque said.

Roque was a key speaker at the Former Rebel and Peacebuilders Summit, organized by various government agencies. At the event, the former rebels, also known as “friends rescued,” solemnly recited the “Panumpa sa Pakig-Unong” (Peace Covenant).

The pledge, led by Maj. Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), symbolized the former rebels’ commitment to turn away from armed struggle and embrace peace, unity, and nation-building together with the government and the Filipino people. (Nef Luczon/PNA)