Pan Asenso: From Conflict to Crust — A Strategic Reintegration Narrative

COURTESY: JMOR/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental

From Armed Struggle to Artisan Enterprise

Former rebels in Misamis Occidental illustrate how purposeful initiatives can convert conflict into constructive enterprise. Consequently, the Pan Asenso bread-making venture demonstrates that targeted skills training and modest seed funding can catalyze sustainable livelihoods. Moreover, ex-combatants who once bore arms now apply discipline and teamwork to baking operations, thereby generating meaningful income and restoring social dignity.

Furthermore, this transformation underscores that economic opportunity complements formal peacebuilding efforts. For example, small entrepreneurs associated with Pan Asenso reportedly earn up to P7,000 daily from bread sales, which tangibly improves household welfare. Therefore, reintegration benefits appear both individual and communal, supporting long-term stability and social cohesion.

Institutional Support and Community Impact

Government agencies and local authorities have actively supported this initiative, thus reinforcing the program’s legitimacy and scalability. In addition to Department of Trade and Industry training, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office committed equipment support, while TESDA and DOLE provide skills development and capacity-building assistance. Accordingly, the coordinated response has strengthened the enterprise’s operational foundation and market reach.

Consequently, Pan Asenso functions not merely as an economic project, but as a symbol of empowerment, strength, and dignity. Brigadier General Felix Ronnie B. Babac and regional information officials highlighted how the program aligns with the broader vision of national transformation. In this way, reintegration into mainstream society advances through both practical assistance and purposeful narrative framing.

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental —Former rebels (FRs) who have recently surrendered in Misamis Occidental are rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society through the ‘Pan Asenso’ bread-making enterprise.

Ex-combatants have transformed into small entrepreneurs, earning up to P7,000 daily from bread sales.

“Nagsimula lang ito sa meryenda. And suddenly nag-evolve na what if ibenta. We started that last Apr. 2. I challenged them na, here is P5,000. What will you do with your skills?” said Lt. Col. Nelson Boticario, commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

The former rebels received training from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as bakers.

“We provided them a small amount just for them to start. They produced a minimal amount, dati yung tawag ay ‘pan de bisaya’ until such time na nakaka-generate na sila ng income, and we helped them to advertise, showcase the bread hanggang sa makarating sa provincial government ng Misamis Occidental sa LGU,” Boticario said.

With support from the provincial government, the enterprise is now being rebranded as Asenso Panaderya or Pan Asenso, to represent the stories of former rebels who have shifted to livelihood activities.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Asenso Panaderya on Sept. 29 marked a milestone in government support for livelihood programs for former rebels.

Governor Henry S. Oaminal said the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office will provide equipment support worth P900,000.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and DTI will assist with skills training and capacity building.

“Asenso Panaderya is a good program and part of the Asenso Vision, that is why gawin natin ang pangalan ng bread natin as Pan Asenso, that is a symbol that with this kind of project, former rebels will turn back to the fold of the law, ay may pag-asa,” the governor said.

Brigadier General Felix Ronnie B. Babac, assistant division commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, said the Asenso Panaderya is a community-based initiative that extends beyond providing bread for former rebels.

“Kini nag-presentar sa paghatag og gahum, kalig-on og dignidad” (It represents empowerment, strength, and dignity), he said.

Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Franklin P. Gumapon said Asenso Panaderya fits the programs of the president, “Bagong Pilipinas,” because Bagong Pilipinas is a transformation.

“If we work for unity and progress, we should have to be transformed into somebody else. This program will transform the lives of our friends rescued for them to improve their living and to live in mainstream society,” Gumapon said.

For former rebels, the groundbreaking ceremony also represents building a foundation for peace.

“Ang mga susama kanato nga mi-agi og kasakit, ug kalisdanan magpadayon na sa malinawon ug produktibong panginabuhi,” (Those like us who have gone through pain and hardship will continue to live a peaceful and productive life),” said Rodel Gernal Gulmatico, former rebel and president of Amihanang Mindanao Kauban sa Kalinaw Association.

In summary, Pan Asenso exemplifies a pragmatic and humane approach to reintegration. Consequently, policymakers and practitioners should consider similar economically grounded, dignity-affirming models elsewhere, since they deliver tangible benefits and foster a durable peace.