DOLE-CAR releases livelihood aid to 44 ex-rebels in Ifugao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 25, 2024): DOLE-CAR releases livelihood aid to 44 ex-rebels in Ifugao (By Liza Agoot)

LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT. Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera director Nathaniel Lacambra (4th from left) hands the certificate of entitlement to one of the 44 former rebels who are beneficiaries of the integrated livelihood program during an event in Tinoc, Ifugao on Tuesday (Sept. 24, 2024). The certificate entitles the beneficiary to receive PHP30,000 worth of livelihood assistance from the government as the agency’s support to end the local insurgency. (PNA photo courtesy of Patrick Rillorta/ DOLE-CAR)

BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) has released PHP1.32 million worth of livelihood to 44 former rebels from Tinoc, Ifugao.

The funds were released Tuesday to the local government of Tinoc, which will provide the needed equipment or supplies and will monitor the development and improvement of the former rebels’ preferred livelihood program.

“Each of the former rebel received PHP30,000 each livelihood aid from the government. The money will be used to purchase start-up items for their choice of livelihood,” Nathaniel Lacambra, DOLE-CAR regional director, said in a phone interview on Wednesday.

The assistance is one of the several components under the Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) program.

“It is not just the DOLE that provides the assistance. This is a whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach. Everybody (is) providing funds, support and programs to ensure a better and peaceful life for the former rebels together with their families," Lacambra said.

During the activity, Police Regional Office-CAR director David Peredo led the ceremonial mass withdrawal of support to the communist terrorist group (CTG).

“The burning of the CTG banner symbolizes their complete renunciation of the armed struggle, and the signing and recitation of the oath of support to the government reaffirms their loyalty and commitment to the government and its programs to attain lasting peace for the community,” he said.

A continuing process of deradicalization will also be done aside from assessment of the former rebels’ other needs such as assistance on housing, firearms remuneration, education, skills training or education for their children.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1234153