BONTOC, Mountain Province – Twenty-seven former rebels in the province renewed their partnership with the provincial government on Jan. 30 for the availment of the rebel returnee livelihood program.
The former rebels, together with their respective barangay captains, signed a memorandum of agreement with the provincial government represented by Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. extending the program for this year effective Feb. 1.
Each former rebel will receive a monthly honorarium of P5,500 based on the actual working days in exchange for community service rendered in their respective communities as a forest guard, reforestation worker, road maintenance man, community worker, and other jobs as may be agreed upon. They will be supervised by their respective barangay captains.
Now on its ninth year, the program implemented through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office continues to support former rebels in their integration into the mainstream society and serves as stepping stone for a better life.
This year, the provincial government tapped the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to offer special skills training to the former rebels for them to have a bigger chance of improving their livelihood.
Lacwasan urged them to be sincere in performing their jobs as he assured that the provincial government will fund the program in recognition of its importance on the life of the beneficiaries and their families. – PIA-CAR
April 16, 2024
