IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON. March 9– A total of 896 former rebels (FRs) who surrendered in Bukidnon were granted financial aid worth PhP8.96 million last 04 March 2021 at Impasugong Gymnasium, Brgy Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon.
The activity was initiated by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go thru the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and in collaboration with different government agencies.
Each of the FR received Php 10,000.00 cash, grocery pack, face mask and face shield from Sen. Bong Go, one (1) food pack from DWSD, and assorted seeds from Department of Agriculture (DA).
In a raffle draw, five (5) FRs won bicycles, five (5) won tablets, and two (2) won brand new rubber shoes.
The program was graced by the presence of ASec. Reveree Niño Contreras from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Hon. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr, Provincial Governor of Bukidnon; Brigadier General Ferdinand T Barandon, Commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade; Mrs Marieta Daayata, Social Worker Administrative Team Leader of DSWD- Bukidnon; Hon. Anthony A. Uy, Municipal Mayor of Impasugong; representatives from the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA), DA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); and Lt. Col Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, Commanding Officer of 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB).
In a short video clip message of Sen. Bong Go, he extended his gratefulness to the former rebels and encouraged everyone to cooperate for all of us to overcome this crisis we are facing right now. He further said, “Atong timan-an kausa ra ta mu labay aning kalibutana. Pagtabang ug kauyuhan ang atong buhaton sa atong isig ka tao. Buhaton na nato sa karon kay dili na kita mubalik aning kalibutana” (Let us bear in mind that we only live once. Hence, let us extend assistance and kindness to our fellow men. Let us do it now for we will never return to this world.)
Mayor Uy emphasized in his statement the relentless and full support of the government. “Sa atong mga kaigsuonan, ayaw kawala og paglaum, kay naay gobyerno nga motabang kaninyo ug dili kamo biyaan. Magbuliga Kuy! (To our brothers and sisters, do not lose hope, the government will help you and will never neglect you. Let’s help each other!)
“Maayo nga mahibal-an nga daghang mga rebelde ang gusto nga makig dayalogo alang sa pagsurender sa gobyerno. Atong tabangan ang tanang mga nakadesisyon nga masubay ngadto sa hustong dalan, aron makapuyo kita nga malinawon ug wala’y kahadlok,” said Hon. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr., Provincial Governor of Bukidnon. (It is good to know that many rebels want to set dialogue and surrender to the government. Let us help those who decided to take the right path, so that we can live peacefully and without fear.)
Lt. Col Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, Commanding Officer of the 8IB stressed that the government never neglects those who decided to return to the folds of the law. He said “Awhaga ang inyong mga kauban kaniadto nga mosurender, ug ipasinati kanila ang wala’y kahumanan nga tabang sa gobyerno nga inyong nasinati sa karon”. (Encourage your former comrades to surrender, and let them experience the unending assistance of the government that you are experiencing now.)
“Daghang salamat sa inyong pagtambong, mao kini ang kagustuhan sa atong mahal na Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte nga humanon na ang kagubot, kini usa ka inisyatiba aron kitang tanan magkahiusa kauban ang tanang ahensya sa gobyerno aron dali natong maangkon ang kalinaw ug kalambuan,” said BGen Ferdinand T Barandon, Commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade. (This is the desire of our President Duterte- to end the armed conflict. It is an initiative of our government so that we can all work together with all government agencies, so we can easily achieve peace and development.)
Of the 896 beneficiaries, 374 FRs surrendered to 8IB. Likewise, a total of 818 actual pay out to the FRs was accounted as of 05 March 2021 while FRs who have not yet claimed their financial aid may still get their assistance within seven (7) days and will be accommodated by DSWD- Bukidnon.
