Cavinti, Laguna – The Laguna and Quezon Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) recently conducted a 3-day Former Rebel (FR) Summit 2022 in Pagsanjan, Laguna and at General Nakar, Quezon, respectively, on November 23-25, 2022.
Participated by 76 former rebels from the two provinces, the 3-day activity aims to invigorate the FRs commitment of their unwavering support to the national government’s effort to end local communist armed conflict; capacitate the FRs’ and empower them to become third party advocates of the government’s peace building initiatives; and, importantly, to inculcate the value and importance of the family as a basic institution as they complete their integration to their respective communities and mainstream society.
In Quezon, the Provincial Integrated Livelihood Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) handed over additional livelihood assistance to the Quezon FRs. Likewise, FRs in Laguna undertook one-day skills training in food processing thru TESDA and also received food packs courtesy of partner agencies in the province during the culmination of the summit.
Highlighting both activities was a dialogue/consultation between the FRs and national/local government agencies, where the former was given opportunity ask questions/clarifications and address it to the concerned agency. Later, representatives from different line government agencies also shared their respective message of support, commitment and lectures on how to avail government services. Issues and concerns were also addressed by the concerned agencies.
In his statement, Brigadier General Cerilo C Balaoro Jr., Commander, 202nd Infantry Brigade, commended the concerted efforts among different line agencies for their continuous and relentless assistance to the FRs. “Your presence here proved your commitment and continued support to our brothers and sisters”.
Dir. Toni June A. Tamayo, Regional Director, TESDA CALABARZON graced the closing program of the Laguna FR Summit as Keynote Speaker, where he expressed his gratefulness speaking in front of the former rebels. “Our agency has developed and implemented an efficient and effective system to help you gained skills and knowledge in managing a sustainable livelihood income that will be a key for the betterment of your lives”.
Meanwhile, Hon Eliseo R. Ruzol Sr., Municipal Mayor and concurrent Chairman of General Nakar TF-ELCAC, graced the occasion in Quezon FR Summit. He also gave inspirational messages to all the participants who attended.
Highlighting the activities during the FR Summit in both provinces include Psychology of Communication, Psychosocial Moral Recovery, Team Building activities, Spiritual Awakening and Spiritual Growth, Cultural Presentations/Former Rebel’s Night, Peace Covenant Signing, Burning of CPP-NPA-NDF Flags, Livelihood Training, and Inter-agency Dialogue.
At the culmination of the summit, the participants expressed their commitment and support in helping the government’s information awareness campaign and at the same time, encourage their former comrades to return to the folds of the law and prevent the recruitment of the CTG from the vulnerable sectors.
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