IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay– Gov. Wilter Yap Palma has expressed hope that former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels will soon become productive citizens as they have already chosen to live a peaceful life.
Palma’s statement came after 35 NPA rebels have availed of the reintegration program of the government following their recent surrender to military authorities in this province.
The NPA surrenderers underwent an orientation on the reintegration program of the government on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigrade in Barangay Sanito in this town.
The orientation was aimed to properly inform the NPA surrenderers the livelihood opportunities they may avail based on their qualification.
“We are looking forward to establishing themselves as productive citizens in the province,” Palma told the Philippine News Agency.
The reintegration program is a collaborative effort of national government agencies that include the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of National Defense (DND) through the Philippine Army and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The provincial government is providing a technical support to the sustainable livelihood program of President Rodrigo Duterte for former NPA rebels implemented through collaborative efforts of the different government agencies.
Reintegration is the process by which ex-combatants acquire civilian status and gain sustainable employment and income.
Among the 35 ex-NPA combatants is a 16-year old, Ian (not his real name), resident of Barangay Nasibak, Leon Postigo of Zamboanga del Norte province.
He is the youngest rebel surrenderer who wants to undergo sustainable livelihood training.
TESDA Regional Director Lorenzo Macapili told the Philippine News Agency that the conduct of training is development-focused “so that the work reflects the priorities and has greater impact.”
“Creating employment opportunities is a key element of successful reintegration. It goes hand in hand with the effort to increase the employability of ex-combatants, so that they have livelihood sustainability,” Macapili said.
Eulalio Lumactod, TESDA provincial head, said the livelihood training for the former NPA rebels will start next month. (PNA)
