Davao city: Nine Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Livelihood Project Associations (PLPA) from Davao City and Boston, Davao Oriental, received PHP2.7 million in seed capital on Thursday, with each association receiving PHP300,000. The beneficiaries include Kauban sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan from Boston town, and eight groups from Davao City, namely Muslim Community Development, Davao United Bangsamoro, Davao City Bangsamoro, Sirawan Kagan, Bangsamoro Community Development, Davao Muslim Kagan, Sirawan Bangsamoro Women's, and Sirawan Women's Boracay Fisherfolk.

According to Philippines News Agency, PAMANA, launched in 2011 under the Philippine Development Plan, is a flagship government program promoting peace, inclusive development, and socio-economic transformation in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities. Hayria Obid, president of the Sirawan Women's Boracay Fisherfolk PLPA, expressed gratitude for the support, stating that the seed capital is a significant help to the associations and their members' families. She encouraged fellow leaders to foster patience and unity.

Lawyer Elisa Evangelista-Lapi±a, director of the OPAPRU Local Conflict Transformation Field Implementation Support Unit in Mindanao, emphasized that the PAMANA-Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) program is more than financial aid. She described it as a symbol of trust, hope, and the government's commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the peace and development process. The initiative supports the reintegration of former rebels and decommissioned combatants.

DSWD-11 Regional Director Rhuelo Aradanas described the program as a symbol of unity and hope, noting that true peace is felt when there is livelihood among families and dignity in the communities. The initiative is anchored on DSWD Administrative Order 16, series of 2023, which institutionalized the PDBBM program, adopting a whole-of-nation approach to peacebuilding, social protection, and development.