Army official wants former rebels empowered

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10): Army official wants former rebels empowered

Col. Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Brigade, is urging rebel returnees to get organized to be empowered.

“Being together they can become stronger in asking for help because they are organized,” he said.

He added that government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) can extend assistance if they are organized.

Currently, the Philippine Army is in close coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the religious sector to assist returnees who were affected by typhoon Yolanda.

Also they tied up with various institutions that are “very willing to support former rebels” such as the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP).

He cited that in Ormoc City, they have established a sustainable mini-farm program in partnership with the local government unit and the DSWD. The LBP also made available a loan window of up to P50,000.

Each returnee is provided with some 400 to 1,000 square meter area for them to cultivate. They were also equipped with skills on organic farming.

The group is expected to start their harvest in December.

“Hopefully this is one way to support alleviate poverty in the province,” he said.

The Philippine Army recorded more or less 130 surrenderees from Leyte province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=682589