Bukidnon ex-rebels receive DTI livelihood starter kits

TWO former rebels who voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion received livelihood starter kits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Sumilao, Bukidnon, Monday, a military official said today, Friday.

“These former rebels start a new beginning,” said Army’s 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero.

Cordero said the move was in line with the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to capacitate and support former rebels in going back to mainstream society and becoming productive citizens.

Cordero said, in a simple rite at DTI Negosyo Center, Sumilao, Bukidnon on August 25, 2020, the former rebels received P8,000 worth of livelihood starter kits each through the Pangkabuhayan sa PagBangon at Ginhawa (PBG) of the DTI.

DTI Malaybalay senior trade and industries development specialist head Jose D. Maureal awarded to the former rebels the livelihood  starter kits of gardening tools.

“Pasalamatan nato ang gobyerno nga nagahatag sa inyong mga kinahanglanon sa pagbalik sa komunidad,” said Maureal adding that not to be angry with the government anymore, as the government has many programs for the former rebels.

“Ayaw na kasuko sa gobyerno kay daghang mga programa ang ipanghatag kaninyo.”

Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion civil military operations officer 2nd Lieutenant Camille Bumatay said the tools include  plastic spray can, sprinkler, machete, two bolos, shovel, two sickles, pick mattock, plastic drum, and metal harrow.

“Dako kaayo namong pasalamat nga kami gitagaan og kagamitan para sa amoang pag pang-uma. Nanghinaot kami nga kini nga programa magpadayon para ang amoang mga kauban nga gusto mubalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno maka benepisyo pa niini.” said alias Hawi.

Bumatay said the former rebels expressed their deep appreciation to the government.

Bumatay said Pangkabuhayan sa PagBangon at Ginhawa (PBG) is a livelihood and entrepreneurship program of DTI and in line with the government's Whole-of-the Nation Approach in ending local communist armed conflict and as part of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“This program intends to help former rebels in returning to the mainstream society and be productive citizens,” said Bumatay.

8IB commander Lt. Colonel Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr said the 8IB will continue to collaborate with the different agencies to fulfill the government's program to pursue lasting peace and development.

"Mapasalamaton mi sa DTI isip usa nga kauban sa pagtukod sa kalinaw ug kalambuan, sa paghatag sa atong mga dating rebelde og ayuda para sa pagsugod sa ilang bag-ong kinabuhi,” said Talaroc. (Ben Balce)