FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – As part of their reintegration into mainstream society, former rebels from Ilocos Sur received a livelihood settlement grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur and 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion held at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood and Development Center, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur last August 16, 2022.
During the payout, 41 former rebels coming from the ten municipalities of the province received a total of 820,000 pesos which will serve as a starting capital for their chosen livelihood. Some of the livelihoods include swine fattening, swine raising, livestock raising, sari-sari stores, and others.
The said activity was conducted through a simple program presided by Hon. Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, Provincial Governor of Ilocos Sur together with Lieutenant Colonel Michael B. Bautista, 71IB Commanding Officer, Mr. Roger P. Jimenez, DSWD R1 Special Concerns Coordinator, Provincial Board Members, and other representatives from the local and national agencies.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael B Bautista, Commanding Officer of 71IB expressed his gratitude to DSWD, PGIS and other agencies for their unwavering support in sustaining the stability of internal peace and security in the province of Ilocos Sur and its neighboring provinces in the Ilocos Region.
“This endeavor is just one of the various programs of the different national and local agencies in order to prove the sincerity of the government in ending the five-decade enemy of every Filipino that disrupts our development as a country. Let us all work hand-in-hand in safeguarding our peaceful province from the destructive and deceptive influence of the Communist Terrorist Group,” says LTC Bautista.
Meanwhile, the commander of the 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Major General Andrew D Costelo reminded the beneficiaries to spend their financial assistance in a meaningful and productive way, and appreciate this opportunity of a lifetime.
“I am hoping that this will be the way for the FR to start a new life away from armed conflict. I am looking forward to the fact that this financial assistance you received will be used in a meaningful manner for this is not from my own pocket but from our government and hoping that will help you start a better life.” MGen Costelo said.
