Mr. Phonephilom TESO

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Starting Point

Phonephilom TESO is an Officer under the Provincial Division of Labour and Social Welfare of Khammuan Province. It is responsible for coordinating and cooperating with line divisions at the provincial and district levels to help the province's development, particularly to give the community and the people a better environment and living conditions. UXO is one of the tasks of this division, particularly cooperating with partners and stakeholders for the clearance, removal and recovery process to make the community in the province have a safer life from UXO.

TESO shares that working in any sector aims to improve lives and contribute to the betterment of society, and UXO work is no exception. Addressing the dangers of UXOs requires the cooperation of all parties to ensure that people can live in a safe environment. “My involvement in UXO-related tasks stems from a deep commitment to protecting communities from these threats, fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to me by my superiors, and carrying out my role with dedication”, he added. 

He also mentioned that “this work is not only about ensuring safety but also about earning a livelihood to support my family while gaining valuable skills. These skills include educating the public about UXO risks, promoting safe practices to prevent harm, reporting UXO discoveries, and assisting victims before, during, and after incidents. Additionally, my role involves creating job opportunities for individuals disabled or affected by UXOs, helping them regain independence and dignity. Through this work, I strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact on my community”.

TESO additionally shares his perspective and vision that, based on working in the UXO sector for over five years and collaborating with various parties and partners, he firmly believes that everyone shares the common goal of creating a safe and secure society free from the dangers of unexploded ordnance. The ultimate aim is to ensure people can live peacefully and safely, regardless of where or when. "This shared commitment drives our collective efforts to eliminate UXO threats and protect lives, fostering a future where communities can thrive without fear", he added.

Peace Journey

As someone dedicated to supporting UXO-related efforts in Khammuan Province, TESO’s role is driven by a commitment to safeguarding communities from the persistent dangers of unexploded ordnance. UXO contamination poses not only a threat to lives but also hinders development, agriculture, and infrastructure in affected areas. His work involves collaborating with local and international organisations to facilitate clearance operations, raise awareness about UXO risks, and advocate for the resources needed to address this challenge. He said, “I am particularly focused on empowering communities through education and engagement, ensuring they know to stay safe and report UXO findings effectively”. By supporting survivors and fostering opportunities for sustainable development on cleared land, he aims to contribute to a future where Laos, especially Khammuan, is free from the remnants of war, allowing its people to live, work and thrive in a safe and secure environment.

In the past, he has played a key role in planning and preparing for UXO clearance operations and prioritising clearance activities based on reported cases. He has also been a coordinator, working with districts, villages, and targeted locations to facilitate effective UXO clearance efforts. Additionally, he has been actively involved in spreading awareness about UXO risks and providing information on available assistance methods. Furthermore, he has participated in community campaigns to encourage active reporting of UXO sightings and has promoted sharing knowledge about UXO risks and prevention measures within villages. His efforts have been instrumental in fostering safer communities and reducing UXO-related risks.

Success Story

TESO has played a pivotal role in UXO mitigation under the Provincial Division of Labour and Social Welfare in Khammuan Province, Laos. His efforts have significantly enhanced community safety by coordinating UXO clearance operations, directly preventing accidents and saving lives. He has raised awareness about UXO risks by engaging local communities in education programs, empowering villagers to report sightings and adopt preventive measures. His work has also supported UXO survivors, particularly by implementing vocational training and livelihood initiatives to help them rebuild their lives.

Collaborative partnerships have been a cornerstone of TESO’s success. By working with international organisations, he has secured resources, technical expertise, and funding to bolster UXO clearance and survivor support.

TESO argues the key lessons from his work, including the importance of community engagement, which fosters trust and participation and the efficiency gained through stakeholder collaboration. A holistic approach that combines clearance, victim support, and land development maximises impact while addressing gender and social inclusion broadens the benefits of UXO initiatives. Continuous training and adopting new technologies, such as geospatial mapping, further enhance safety and effectiveness. He also has a dedicated and collaborative approach that exemplifies the transformative potential of UXO mitigation, contributing to safer, more resilient communities in Khammuan Province.