The construction of a halfway house for former rebels in the province of Ilocos Norte is expected to break ground here before the year ends.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Corazon Lilian Celia Rin confirmed this on Monday as she reported the PHP5-million building is now ready for bidding.

In compliance with the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the Ilocos Norte government shall help in the provision of the lot for the construction of a temporary shelter for former rebels.

Under this program, former rebels and their families are given financial assistance, shelter, education, skills training, healthcare, and legal 6assistance through a convergence of various national and local government agencies.

“For the last fifteen years, there had been no surrenderees in the province but there are sporadic cases where they come here from other provinces,” said Rin.

Once fully operational, the halfway house will receive and process the rebel returnees as the government provides them with the necessary assistance and skills to hasten their transition to mainstream society.

“The building will likewise double as an evacuation center during the typhoon,” Rin added.

Aside from the provision of temporary shelter, each rebel returnee is entitled to PHP15,000 immediate assistance, PHP21,000 reintegration assistance, PHP50,000 livelihood assistance, among other benefits. (PNA)