Kalinaw News: Philippine Army, DTI give business kits to four former rebels in Aurora

From Kalinaw News (Jul 17, 2022): Philippine Army, DTI give business kits to four former rebels in Aurora

BALER, Aurora-Through the whole of nation approach, the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aurora have turned over a total of PHP32K in business kits under its livelihood programs to at least 4 beneficiaries in this province on Friday, July 15, 2022.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, commander of 91st IB, told the Philippine News Agency on Saturday that 4 of the recipients were former rebels (FRs) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) having undergone the government’s rehabilitation program while bringing back to mainstream society.

He added that the distribution of the business kits, worth PHP8,000 each was given to the four indigenous people (IP) belonging to the Alta tribe at Laang Sibol hall, Headquarter, 91st IB, Barangay Calabuanan in this capital town of Aurora.

“This is only the beginning and expects more assistance will be handed over to our FRs to help them start a new life,” Recto said.

On the other hand, Bryan Omar Sardea, DTI-Aurora focal person of the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa said that the package of assistance handed over to the beneficiaries will improve their income in the future and be monitored by 91st IB.

“I am optimistic that with the guidance of 91st IB, our recipients will boost their business and will improve their lives. This is the start for them to earn more to become productive members of our community,” Sardea said.

Back to Recto, he said that he wanted the beneficiaries to increase their income and improve their livelihood activities; more so, creating a peaceful and productive community away from the insurgency.

“We always keep in touched with the DTI to intensify interventions for the FRs need to start business and encourage them to properly manage the pangkabuhayan (livelihood) kit they received,” Recto said.

He added that the move was to reintegrate FRs by helping them go back to being a civilian with ample resources and providing them with a sustainable source of income.

Meanwhile, Ka Arnold, one of the beneficiaries, expressed his gratitude to the 91st IB and DTI.

“We are very thankful for this livelihood starter kit provided by our government. We will do our best to sustain the business granted to us,” Ka Arnold said.

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