Torture Survivors Obtain Livelihood Support Under the Anti-Torture Act

An association of torture survivors and former political detainees  was able to access livelihood support from the  Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the Comprehensive Program for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims and their Families (CPRTV) as provided under Section 19 the Anti Torture Act or Republic Act 9745.

Known as the XD Initiative, the survivors association received the funds – amounting to PhP135,000.00 (USD2,930.00) - from the Sustainable Livelihood Program of DSWD on June 3, 2016. The funds are intended to sustain the “workers’ canteen” project of the association in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

Section 37 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the  Anti-Torture Act provides for the physical, psychological, and social healing and development of torture victims and their families. The XD Initiative has argued that providing livelihood support for torture survivors is a way to promote their psychosocial  functioning and  build their economic empowerment as well.

The XD Initiative, which counts 15  members, is the first survivors association in the Philippines to access livelihood support  since the government rehabilitation program for torture victims was approved in 2014. The group started their  food service project in 2015.  Their  members  prepare meals for  workers who build  houses for poor families to be relocated from  flood-prone settlements in urban areas.

The association achieved this milestone in partnership with Balay Rehabilitation Center – a human rights group that  accompanied them   in accessing their right to rehabilitation from the  DSWD.  It also  provided them with entrepreneurial trainings and inputs on organizational management  to enrich their capability in managing their  project.   Many of XD Initiative members have also attended individual and group counseling sessions and participated in therapeutic testimonial ceremonies  organized by Balay.