FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Former rebels (FR) in Bulacan who voluntarily surrendered to authorities are set to receive livelihood assistance as orientation was launched by the 70th Infantry (Matapat at Matatag) Battalion (70IB) of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division (7ID), Philippine Army under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel Ronnel B Dela Cruz, the 70IB Commander; at the their Headquarters in Barangay Pulong Sampaloc, Doña Remedios Trinidad last October 14, 2022.
The said activity was made possible with the collaboration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region-3 and Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWDO) of Bulacan.
The activity oriented the FRs regarding the P20,000.00 livelihood assistance from DSWD as their initial capital that will be given to them in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The initial cash assistance aims to provide small capital for income generating livelihood projects for each FR.
Lt Col Dela Cruz thanked the former rebels for their active participation and effort to be productive citizens. “I am hopeful that the livelihood program will be a big help to our brothers who are former rebels and that the initial capital be of aid as they start a small income generating endeavor that will benefit their family in coping with their daily needs”.
Meanwhile, Major General Andrew D Costelo, Commander of 7ID emphasized the importance of the activity that shows the sincerity of the government in giving assistance to former rebels who decided to surrender and live a normal life.
