MARAMAG, Bukidnon, Sept. 23—Another batch of Former Rebels (FRs) of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon received livelihood starter kits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in a ceremony held in Maramag town last September 11 at Headquarters 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion, Phillippine Army.
Each of the 29 former NPA rebels received starter kits for Rice Trading, Parlor and Barbershop, Carenderia, Carpentry, and E-Loading Business amounting to P8,000 each kit, which gives a total amount of P232,000.
It can be recalled that last September 4, a batch of 39 FRs also received livelihood Starter Kits from DTI.
Eriberto A. Taban-ud Jr, DTI Bukidnon provincial director said the latest delivery of starter kits brings the total number of FR beneficiaries to 68. He said the total amount of starter kits distributed is P532,000.
He explained that the said activity of the DTI is being implemented through the “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa,” a livelihood and entrepreneurship program of the department. He also clarified that this is one of the programs of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) under Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment cluster in attaining durable peace and sustainable development.
In his message during the ceremony, Taban-ud urged the FRs to persevere and be supportive of the government’s projects and programs.
“We, in DTI, encourage you to do business because in business, there is always a good chance to succeed as long as we manage it properly. The government, through its Whole-of- Nation approach, is always ready to help you not just the DTI but all government agencies,” Taban-ud said.
Alias Ragasi, one of the former rebels, shared his joy on the government’s support while they (FRs) are preparing themselves to live normal lives.
“Sobra ang among pagpasalamat nga kami nahatagan ug higayun nga maka dawat ug ayuda gikan sa gobyerno. Dako na kaayo ni nga tabang sa among paginabuhian. Among paningkamutan nga amo pa kining palambo-on ug pabungahon. (We are very grateful of the assistance we receive from the government. This is a big help to us as we continue to strive living a peaceful and normal lives),” Alias Ragasi said.
Lieutenant Colonel Franklin F. Fabic, Commanding Officer of 88IB, thanked DTI as he said “Again, thank you for being our partner in winning the peace and bringing the government closer to the people especially to our FRs who became victims of the wrong ideology of the communist terrorists. This will be a great help to entice more rebels to return to the fold of law and enjoy government programs.” (CMO, 88IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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