Philippine Army assures continued livelihood support to insurgent-influenced communities

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Philippine Army assures continued livelihood support to insurgent-influenced communities

The Philippine Army (PA) will continue providing livelihood support to communities that are affected by insurgents, according to Col. Rafael C. Valencia, brigade commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade of the 8 Infantry Division (8ID) of the Philippine Army (PA).

This he assured as they have been receiving calls from barangay leaders in Robas village in Jaro, Leyte for fear that they will abandon a project in the area following an ambush at the barangay’s Sitio Campagal last week.

The ambush staged by around 10 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) has wounded two soldiers of the 19th Infantry Battalion (19th IB).

“We will take appropriate action to strengthen security in the area,” he said.

Valencia said that the site is one of their focused areas where they help the community work on their livelihood. They just came from a hot spring that is being developed in the community into a tourist destination.

They were developing rest house for visitors, he disclosed.

Aside from a hot spring, he disclosed that they have been helping a farmer’s group engage in cassava production.

The Philippine Army (PA) linked them up with the Bureau of Crops for the technology and the Fatima Multipurpose Cooperative to purchase their produce.

The provision of livelihood support is being undertaken by the Bayanihan Team and in partnership with the Visayas State University (VSU) that assists them in coming up with proposals.

Proposals are submitted to various national government agencies for funding support.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=568521