SIXTY-FIVE former New People's Army rebels and sympathizers who graduated from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) Pipefitting Skills Training last month were directly hired by Aboitiz Construction Company, said in a press statement Saturday.
Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion civil-military officer 2nd Lt. Camille Bumatay said the former rebels all came from two batches of graduates on Oct 30 and Nov. 28, 2020.
"Out of 67 graduates, two were enlisted and the remaining 65 were all hired by the Aboitiz firm," said Bumatay.
A total of 19 former NPA members and sympathizers (8 and 11 from 1st and 2nd batch respectively) who successfully completed the training were in the care of the 8IB, and now hired as pipefitters, according to Bumatay.
Graduates underwent 20 days of pipefitting training facilitated by the Tesda, she said.
“Malipayon akong nakabenepisyo sa programa nga gihatag sa atong gobyerno kaabag ang uban pribadong ahensya. Usa kini ka dakong oportunidad para kanamo aron mag malambuon ang amoang kinabuhi,” said Troy one of the former rebels from 8IB.
8IB commander Lt. Col. Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr., thanked their partners in peace-building and development for helping the former rebels.
“Kini nga yunit (8IB) magpadayon sa paghatag og mga tabang sa among mga kanhing rebelde aron adunay mas maayo nga kinabuhi," Talaroc said.
Talaroc also said under the Eclip program, the activity is a proof that the Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) never neglected those who return to the folds of the law.
Bukidnon public information manager Ruby Balistoy said the project is in partnership with TESDA-Bukidnon, MACES Skills Training Institute, Aboitiz Construction Company, and the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade.
She said the pipefitting skills training were held inside the 403rd Brigade camp in Malaybalay City.
"The ex-rebels who are now pipefitters are currently deployed in various Aboitiz's construction projects nationwide," said Balistoy.
Aboitiz Human Resource Officer Norvin Pitogo in a statement said the hired former rebels will be tasked to install and maintain plumbing and piping systems of the Aboitiz’ construction projects.
"These skilled plumbers will have a daily wage of P415 with additional incentives based on their performance," said Pitogo.
“Nagpasalamat mi ug dako sa atong gobyerno labi na gyud sa mga ahensya nga mitabang kanamo aron makabalik mi nga malinawon sa among komunidad isip miyembro sa katilingban," said Christopher Lediac, another ex-rebels hired by Aboitiz.
403rd Brigade commander Brig. General Ferdinand Barandon, 403rd Brigade lauded the former rebels for their allegiance and commitment to embrace a happy and refreshed life.
“This is the start of your new lives as our peace contributors," said Barandon.
Barandon said they will continue to monitor the former rebels beneficiaries while they work and are away from their families.
"Nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating mga katuwang sa kapayapaan dahil sa kanilang taos-pusong pagsuporta ay marami pang mga dating rebeldeng NPA ang matutulungan," said Barandon.
To the remaining communist rebel members who have not yet surrendered, now is the right time to take the right path, according to Barandon adding that dozens of government programs await them. (Ben Balce and Recthie Tolinero with CMO 403Bde/PIA Bukidnon)
