LGU offers 18M worth of livelihood to POs in MisOr

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental - The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Gingoog City proposed Php18 million worth of livelihood to members of Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) during the Peace Rally held at Covered Court of Don Restituto Baol Elementary School last October 21, 2020.

Hon. Erick Cañosa, the City Mayor of Gingoog, and Hon. Peter Unabia, the City Vice-Mayor offered various livelihood programs of the National Government to the former mass supporters of the New People's Army (NPA).

The programs and projects include Cacao production, Fish cage culture, Corn production, and Livestock and Poultry livelihood services such as Animal Dispersal Program.

This creates opportunities for farmers to uplift their living conditions and empower them to become more resilient. Further, it attests to the government's commitment to providing basic and social services to the vulnerable, marginalized, and conflict-affected communities.

Also, this is in line with the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 (EO70) which converges all government agencies to render the necessary support to end local communist armed conflict in the country.

In his message, Hon. Erick Cañosa said, "We will continue to collaborate with other government agencies, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as the non-government organizations to help you in your basic needs so that we will attain peace and development in our city."

On the other hand, the Hon. Peter Unabia encouraged the farmers to help the government in attaining lasting and inclusive peace through their cooperation, unity, and non-support to the terrorist groups. Also, he urged them to inform their families, relatives, and friends who are still in the armed group about the livelihood programs of the true government and to convince them to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream society.

Furthermore, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said, "I hope that with the continued programs and projects of the government, we will be able to finally convince the remaining members of the CTGs to abandon their armed struggle and return to the folds of the law. To those who wish to surrender, rest assured that your Philippines Army will assist you to avail the ECLIP program of the government."

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 58th Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Diamond, PA