20 Former Rebels undergo livelihood training in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon – A total of 20 former rebels (FRs) undergo livelihood training launched by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) of Bukidnon in collaboration with the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB) at Headquarters, 8IB, Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon on October 22-23, 2020.

The activity is in line with the government’s program which is the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communists Armed Conflict, an inter-agency convergence to counter-insurgency.

TESDA, as one of the agencies, launched a two-day skills training of Tocino, Chorizo, and Somai making under the program dubbed as “TESDA Interventions and Concerns for Bukidnon (TICBuk) Meat Processing.” This program aims to develop their skills and geared towards transforming them into competitive and productive individuals.

The seminar was spearheaded by Mr. El Cid Castillo, Provincial Director of TESDA Bukidnon together with Ms. Chelan Hervas, Food Processing Trainor, and 2Lt Camille M Bumatay, Civil-Military Operations Officer of 8IB to ensure that former rebels will be equipped with basic livelihood skills that could enable them to generate income and support their daily needs.

Alias Gretchen, one of the trainees extended her heartfelt gratitude for the government's initiative. She said "Nalipay ako nga ilaha kaming gitudloan para sa amoang panginabuhian isip pag pangandam kanamo sa pagbalik sa komunidad. Pinaagi ni-ini, makabuhat na kami ug kaugalingon namo nga negosyo.”

(I am grateful that they taught us for our livelihood in preparation for our return to the community. Through this, we can start our own business.)

Director Castillo said "Ang maong training parti kini sa sunod-sunod nga proyekto nga gihimo sa TESDA kaabag ang kasundaluhan para mahatagan ang mga kanhing rebelde ug dugang paagi para sa ilang panginabuhian."

(This training is part of the series of projects conducted by TESDA in partnership with the Philippine Army to provide former rebels additional source of livelihood.)

“Magpadayaon kini nga yunit sa paghatag og pagbansay sa atong mga kanhing rebelde samtang sila giandam ug gibag-o alang sa paghiusa usab sa katilingban ," said Lt. Col Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, Commanding Officer of 8IB.

(This unit will continue to provide training to our former rebels while they are being prepared and transformed for reintegration into the mainstream society.)

On July 15, 2020, the said former rebels also underwent training on Kimchi and Carrot Juice Making in collaboration with TESDA at Headquarters, 8IB.

Source: Civil-Military Operation Office, 8th Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Agila, PA