Army strengthens partnership, sustains peace
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) intensifies the creation of federated people’s organization (PO) among the former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), and their underground mass organization (UGMO) supporters, to help them rebuild their lives as they reintegrate to their communities.
The recent activity was to uplift the welfare of the recipients and intend to develop people’s capability to organize themselves and their progress by bringing about value-chain interventions to elevate their current situation.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Agusan del Norte (TESDA-ADN) Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva spearheaded the livelihood planning in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte, the two Congressional District Offices, Local Government Units of Carmen, Nasipit, Buenavista, Las Nieves, Butuan City, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the 23IB.
Cueva said the organization of POs would not also be possible without the assistance of various government agencies as well as the private sector working for the community reformation.
Also, Major Samuel P Maglinao (INF) PA, Executive Officer of 23IB, expressed his encouragement to the beneficiaries to take care and give value to the project. He hoped that more individuals will also receive this kind of livelihood as we focus on keeping peace and order. The activity is part of the whole of nation approach which intends to attain sustainable peace with the active support of the community and partner stakeholders in bringing the government closer to the people and eliminating the influence of the NPA in the community, he said.
Government agencies and private sector joined forces to provide sustainability on these POs through provision of their livelihood and security. (2Lt. Paoula P. Ledesma CMO Officer 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)
