CALBIGA, Samar, Feb. 18 (PIA) - - The Local Peace Engagement (LPE) Cluster of Samar Provincial Task Force - Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) on February 17, initiated a Round Table Discussion with some Former Rebels (FRs) and peace builders in this municipality.
The discussion centered on the joint efforts of the government, FRs and peace builders in addressing the insurgency problems in the province especially in Calbiga town.
The major issue raised in the said discussion was the lack of access roads which hinders the residents from transporting their goods to the municipal proper and also impedes them from bringing their farming equipment to and from the farm. The infrastructure problem also hinders the government from providing the social services to the community due to inaccessibility.
Mayor Melcho Nacario assured to the participants that the LGU is working on several projects to ensure the delivery of services in the hinterlands.
Calbiga Mayor Melchor F. Nacario said, “There are already infrastructure project proposals submitted for upland barangays like Brgy. Beri, Daligan, Buluan, Binanggaran, Caamlongan, Antol, Hindang, Guimbanga, Sinalangtan, Canbagtic, Minata, Lubang, Otoc, and Bulao.”
Other issues raised included the lack of potable water and livelihood opportunities for those living in the interior barangays.
Mayor Nacario assured everyone that the LGU is already working to address these concerns.
Calbiga Mayor Melchor F. Nacario said, “There are already infrastructure project proposals submitted for upland barangays like Brgy. Beri, Daligan, Buluan, Binanggaran, Caamlongan, Antol, Hindang, Guimbanga, Sinalangtan, Canbagtic, Minata, Lubang, Otoc, and Bulao.”
Other issues raised included the lack of potable water and livelihood opportunities for those living in the interior barangays.
Mayor Nacario assured everyone that the LGU is already working to address these concerns.
Some of the Local Peace Engagement Cluster Member who joined the discussion and offered the services of their office. (L-R): Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Alma Austero, Local Government Operations Officer II Shalyn Dasig of DILG-Samar, Calbiga Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Urbano Pino, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Segundino Pagliawan, and TESDA-Samar Provincial Director Enrico Banario.
“As to livelihood opportunities, we have TESDA with us to help us provide skills training for you. Once you have skills, opportunities will come,” Mayor Nacario said.
Meanwhile, Engr. Enrico Banario of TESDA Samar offered the skills training courses to which the peace builders showed interest. The in-demand courses were Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Masonry, and Bread and Pastry Production.
Municipal Agriculturist Teresita CabueƱas also advised the peace builders to apply for a Farmer's Certificate should they be crop producers and livestock raisers.
She said the certificate can be considered as a proof of ownership especially when applying for an insurance of their crops or small and large ruminants.
On the other hand, an FR shared that he is now considered as an enemy by the CTGs. He said that the reason why he joined the NPA is to serve the people. However, he said that the NPA has not brought any positive change in the community that is why he decided to surrender. Further, he said that the act of surrendering and his cooperation with the government is in itself a service to the people.
Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer, Alma Austero, said that the peace builders will be of big help in ending insurgency in the key areas of the municipality.
“If you know anyone who are members of the NPA, advise them to surrender. You will also act as instruments in letting others know about the services of the government,” she said.
The FR expressed willingness to help the government in its anti-insurgency endeavors.
“As peace builders we must ready the minds of other FRs and assure them that there is nothing to be afraid of and that they won't be harmed once they surrender,” he said.
“As to livelihood opportunities, we have TESDA with us to help us provide skills training for you. Once you have skills, opportunities will come,” Mayor Nacario said.
Meanwhile, Engr. Enrico Banario of TESDA Samar offered the skills training courses to which the peace builders showed interest. The in-demand courses were Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Masonry, and Bread and Pastry Production.
Municipal Agriculturist Teresita CabueƱas also advised the peace builders to apply for a Farmer's Certificate should they be crop producers and livestock raisers.
She said the certificate can be considered as a proof of ownership especially when applying for an insurance of their crops or small and large ruminants.
On the other hand, an FR shared that he is now considered as an enemy by the CTGs. He said that the reason why he joined the NPA is to serve the people. However, he said that the NPA has not brought any positive change in the community that is why he decided to surrender. Further, he said that the act of surrendering and his cooperation with the government is in itself a service to the people.
Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer, Alma Austero, said that the peace builders will be of big help in ending insurgency in the key areas of the municipality.
“If you know anyone who are members of the NPA, advise them to surrender. You will also act as instruments in letting others know about the services of the government,” she said.
The FR expressed willingness to help the government in its anti-insurgency endeavors.
“As peace builders we must ready the minds of other FRs and assure them that there is nothing to be afraid of and that they won't be harmed once they surrender,” he said.
A peace builder shares the efforts done in the community to let people know about the services of the government.
For his part, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Urbano Pino said “Let us ensure that no new members of the community will be encouraged to join or support the NPA. Let us also encourage those sympathizers and members of the NPA to surrender. If no one from the barangay will support these CTGs, then they will stop going to the barangays.”
A peace builder also thanked the Local Peace Engagement panel for giving them the opportunity to voice out their concerns. He likewise said that he trusts the panel in ensuring that their concerns will be heard and given favorable response by government.
The Round Table Discussion conducted will be the first among the many discussions to be conducted between the LPE cluster members, FRs and peace builders to ensure that the parties agree to different terms in ensuring a peaceful and insurgency community. (GMT/PIA-Samar)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034812
For his part, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Urbano Pino said “Let us ensure that no new members of the community will be encouraged to join or support the NPA. Let us also encourage those sympathizers and members of the NPA to surrender. If no one from the barangay will support these CTGs, then they will stop going to the barangays.”
A peace builder also thanked the Local Peace Engagement panel for giving them the opportunity to voice out their concerns. He likewise said that he trusts the panel in ensuring that their concerns will be heard and given favorable response by government.
The Round Table Discussion conducted will be the first among the many discussions to be conducted between the LPE cluster members, FRs and peace builders to ensure that the parties agree to different terms in ensuring a peaceful and insurgency community. (GMT/PIA-Samar)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034812