AgSur town empowers FRs through livelihood programs
SAN LUIS, Agusan del Sur – The local government unit (LGU) of La Paz of this province in collaboration with the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, Philippine Army and other partner agencies empowered its former rebels (FRs) to be more economically-resilient through a program orientation to the various People's Organization (POs) from the different barangays of the said municipality last October 15, 2021.
The program orientation was conducted with social distancing and proper wearing of facemask in accordance with the COVID-19 health protocol. It was attended and participated by 11 POs that consisted of FRs and local members of the community who were organized by the previously deployed Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the Philippine Army. It was aimed to empower the members of the POs to be more economically-resilient by identifying projects that are appropriate in the community in order to motivate the members in achieving their objectives as prescribed by their own constitution and by-laws which will improve and develop their capacity towards sustainable livelihood development.
As mandated by the Executive Order No. 70 (EO70), the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of La Paz headed by Municipal Mayor Michael D. Lim, strongly implemented the Whole-of-Nation Approach to prioritize the delivery of government programs and basic services to its intended beneficiaries, the former rebels.
"It is our duty to provide support and services for our former rebels as they continue their reintegration to the society because they are now our peace partners in building a better community," said Lim.
The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) of AgSur together with other partner agencies such as Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Municipal Local Government Office (MLGO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Philippine National Police (PNP) were also present and strengthened their support during the said orientation.
"Our goal is to provide appropriate livelihood and skills training for our Former Rebels and also to the over-all constituents for them to be equipped with the right knowledge and proper techniques as they venture to start their chosen livelihood programs," said Novilita A. Dispo, TESDA provincial director.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB commended the MTF-ELCAC along with partner agencies for their selfless support for the activity. “We are grateful to the entire members of the Task Force in helping our Former Rebels. It is indeed an over-all effort as a team and it is more convenient for the government to deliver sustainable livelihood development to the community by empowering our People's Organizations," he said.
"Let us help our people to alleviate poverty through livelihood programs from the government. If we continue to work together, we will surely address the socio-economic issues that are used by the CPP-NPA in poisoning the hearts and minds of our people. Our strong will and intensified collaboration will surely bring hope, peace and development to the community," Goce added. (2Lt. Cecille Tappa, CMO officer, 26IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
