03/09/2026
The Provincial Government of Masbate, under the leadership of Governor Hon. Atty. Ricardo T. Kho, together with OIC Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Amie Marie E. Castillo, participated in the Cross-Regional Learning: DILG Region I E-CLIP Best Practices and Strategies cm DILG Region V Strategic Planning and E-CLIP Knowledge Consolidation Activity, held on August 18–20, 2026.
The activity formally opened on August 18, 2026, at Sela Vie Hotel and Resort, Ilocos Sur, followed by benchmarking visits and learning sessions across the Ilocos Region.
Representing DILG Region V were Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr., CESO III; Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ian Kenneth Lucero, CESO IV; and DILG Masbate Provincial Director Julius Rodel L. Cal-Ortiz.
During the knowledge exchange, the Provincial Government of Masbate shared its initiatives under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) aimed at supporting the safe return, healing, and successful reintegration of former rebels who have chosen to reunite with their families, rebuild their lives, and become productive members of their communities.
The activity provided the Masbate delegation with a valuable opportunity to visit E-CLIP facilities and learn from the programs, best practices, and implementation strategies of local government units in Region I.
In Ilocos Norte, the delegation learned about the Provincial Government’s collaborative strategies and initiatives that have contributed to maintaining the province’s insurgency-free status since 2012. These good practices highlighted the importance of strong local leadership, effective inter-agency coordination, accessible government services, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and meaningful community participation in achieving lasting peace.
The Provincial Government of Masbate extends its sincere appreciation to DILG Region I, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, under the leadership of Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Crisologo Singson, and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, headed by Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, for their warm hospitality and openness in sharing their programs, facilities, strategies, and experiences.
The success of E-CLIP goes beyond providing financial assistance. Genuine reintegration means ensuring that returning individuals are welcomed without discrimination, given opportunities to begin anew, supported in securing sustainable livelihoods, and empowered to live peacefully and with dignity.
Through learning activities such as this, the Provincial Government of Masbate continues to strengthen its E-CLIP implementation, adopt good practices appropriate to local conditions, and deepen its commitment to inclusive development and lasting peace.
Sa Masbate, patuloy nating inilalapit ang pamahalaan sa mamamayan—nagbibigay ng pag-asa, pagkakataon, at panibagong simula tungo sa mas mapayapa at maunlad na pamayanan.