PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A total of 42 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and their dependents have graduated Friday from the skills training program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here.
Capt. Clint Antipala, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division information officer, said Saturday they have completed two vocational courses and “are ready to work and be productive citizens.”
Antipala said they have completed through the government’s Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) automotive servicing NC-II and electrical and installation maintenance NC-II.
One of the graduates turned emotional in his speech during the graduation ceremony as he thanked Gov. Victor Yu, the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, the government agencies, and even President Rodrigo Duterte for the "support and empowerment" given to former rebels.
“We farmers want to cross the bridge of poverty, and for that to happen, we need to study and educate ourselves to cross that bridge and achieve success,” said the graduate, whose identity was withheld.
In his speech, Yu underscored the importance of government assistance in turning around the lives of former rebels.
“Every success of our constituents is also an achievement of our government because they can contribute to the progress and development”, Yu said.
Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., Army’s First Division assistant commander, challenged the graduates to serve the country and become productive citizens.
"This course that you have taken will be your stepping stone to achieve your goals in life and to those who want to serve the country, you can join the Philippine Army”, Gaerlan added.
Gaerlan also urged them to encourage other rebels to return to the fold of the law. (PNA)
