LIVELIHOOD TRAINING. At least 22 former New People’s Army rebels in South Cotabato are now certified poultry production specialists after completing a 33-day training program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. The beneficiaries received National Certificates II Animal Production (Poultry Chicken) after graduating from the training held at the Umani Farm, Barangay Paraiso in Koronadal City. (Photo courtesy of TESDA-12)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- At least 22 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in South Cotabato are now certified poultry production specialists after completing a training program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
TESDA-12 director Rafael Abrogar II said Thursday the returnees graduated last week from a 33-day training on Animal Production (Poultry Chicken) National Certificate (NC) II held at the Umani Farm, Barangay Paraiso in Koronadal City.
Abrogar said the graduates received NC II certificate of competencies and can now pursue livelihood ventures on poultry production.
“This is part of our interventions to assist the reintegration of our former rebels to their communities and make them into productive citizens,” he told reporters.
TESDA provides livelihood training to rebel returnees as part of the national government’s flagship Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
The 22 beneficiaries, mostly indigenous peoples, are former members of the NPA operating in South Cotabato who surrendered in the last two years and enlisted into the ECLIP.
One of them was an alias “George,” who was a member of the NPA’s Front 73 for over 10 years.
The former rebel, according to TESDA-12, decided to surrender early this year after reportedly getting tired of fighting the government.
“George” was quoted as saying he wanted to lead a normal life with his family and strive to give them “a better future.”
Abrogar said they will assist the returnees in starting their own livelihood projects in coordination with other government agencies.
TESDA has existing linkages with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employees for the provision of livelihood grants to their graduates.
Since January, the agency already trained a total of 238 rebel returnees from parts of Region 12 (Soccsksargen) on skills and provided various livelihood assistances. (PNA)
