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 support the province's development, particularly in providing a better environment and living conditions for the community and its people. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) is one of the tasks of this division, particularly in cooperation with partners and stakeholders, to facilitate the clearance, removal, and recovery process, ensuring the community in the province has a safer life from UXO.

TESO shares that his involvement in UXO-related tasks stems from a deep commitment to protecting communities from these threats, fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to him, and carrying out his role with dedication. For him, this work is not only about ensuring safety but also about earning a livelihood to support his 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, his role involves creating job opportunities for individuals disabled or affected by UXOs, helping them regain independence and dignity. Through this work, he strives to make a meaningful and lasting impact on his community.

TESO, which has been working in the UXO sector for over five years and collaborating with various parties and partners, 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 the collective efforts to eliminate UXO threats and protect lives, fostering a future where communities can thrive without fear of harm.

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 particularly focused on empowering communities through education and engagement, ensuring they know how 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 Lao PDR, 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 the active reporting of UXO sightings and has promoted the sharing of 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

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

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 the adoption of 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 the creation of safer, more resilient communities in Khammuan Province.