Army intensifies support for Samar’s poverty alleviation initiatives

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2020): Army intensifies support for Samar’s poverty alleviation initiatives (By 8CMO, 8ID, PA)

CAMP DAZA, Hinabangan, Samar, Jan. 27 -- The 801st Infantry (Bantay at Gabay) Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army has been taking steps to intensify its support to alleviate poverty situation in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) of Samar.

The Community Support Program (CSP) teams from the 801st Brigade in the conflict-affected areas have identified primary issues exploited by the communist New People's Army (NPA) terrorists or CNTs.

Through Executive Order No. 70 on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) chaired by Engr. Enrico Banario, Provincial Director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Samar, in partnership with the 14th Infantry (Avengers) Battalion, 46th Infantry (Peace Maker) Battalion, 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion and the 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion has already conducted 11 various livelihood trainings to counter the propaganda of CNTs in the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar with a total of 320 successful graduates.

Livelihood programs offered by the PRLEC leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II include: Produce Fertilizer with 25 graduates; Produce Organic Fertilizer with 25 graduates; Produce Various Concoctions with 25 graduates; Raise Organic Hogs with 50 graduates; Raise Meat Type Animals leading to with 25 graduates; and Raise Organic Small Ruminants with 25 graduates.

Other Livelihood programs include Hilot (Wellness Massage) NC II with 25 graduates; Bread and Pastry Production NC II with 24 graduates; Bread Making leading to Bread and Pastry Production NC II with 48 graduates; Prepare and Cook Hot Meals leading to Cookery NC ll with 24 graduates; and Dressmaking NC II with 24 graduates.

The PRLEC is one of the 12 clusters of the National Task Force-ELCAC under EO 70 that institutionalizes a whole-of-nation approach in fighting insurgency towards the attainment of sustainable peace.

Director Banario said that successful graduates were assessed and were given National Certificate II indicating that they are competent in the said skills. Free tool kits were also distributed as their “Pangkabuhayan” materials.

“The PRLEC targets to conduct more livelihood trainings in the municipalities that were identified as priority areas,” he added.

Banario lauded the AFP as partner of EO 70 in identifying and recommending priority barangays to be offered with the skills training program, helping in organizing the training, providing safety and security of the participants, and in providing logistics to transport training supplies and materials.

Meanwhile, Col. Camilo Z. Ligayo, commander of the 801st Brigade, said the only way forward to end insurgency is through the convergence of efforts by the different stakeholders.

“Rest assured that the Philippine Army will continue its efforts through poverty alleviation programs and will remain true to its commitment of being an active partner in peace and development,” added Col. Ligayo. (8CMO, 8ID, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033438