CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – The 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion in partnership with the Women’s Association of Gingoog City conducted a Rug Making Trainer for the former rebel ladies at the headquarters 58IB, Sitio Migbanday, Brgy Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, last July 16, 2021.
While some of our former rebels are still waiting for benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, the 58IB is working with NGAs, NGOs, and civilian partners to provide a variety of livelihood options to them. Mushroom production, Hollow block making, FR store, and now rug production by the FR ladies are among these projects.
The Gingoog Womens, under City Vice-Mayor, Hon. Peter Unabia’s office, personally went to the headquarters of 58IB to impart their knowledge and expertise in the rug making business with 15 former rebel female attendees. They also handed them starter kits to encourage them and help them improve their situation.
“Rugs are essentially needed in every home,” says one of the trainers, “and so might be an essentially good source of income that can also serve as a hobby for the FR ladies.”
One participant expressed her gratitude on the conduct of the said training. “Ako nagpasalamat sa pag conduct niining rug making training na nadugangan ang akong pahibalo unsaon paghimo sa trapo ug mapuslan nako na makuhaan namo ni sa among panginabuhi na mabaligya sad namo niini, magamit namo sa pang adlaw-adlaw na panginabuhian namo. Ako nagpasalamat sa nag conduct niini ug sa mga nagsponsor ug sa mga nag train sa amoa. Salamat kaayo sa 58ib, salamat na gihatagan mig ing-ani na training.” (I am grateful to those who led this rug-making workshop since it has expanded my understanding of how to make rags, and I am confident that this will help us supplement our income by allowing us to sell them and utilize them in our everyday lives. I appreciate those who organized and sponsored it, as well as those who trained us. Thank you so much, 58IB, for making this training possible.)
“The former rebels who have decided to surrender are secured to obtain financial help under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” according to Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB. But, while their benefits are being processed, we want the former rebels to have a basic understanding of how to use the support that was offered to them, as well as introduce them to alternative sources of income. The government is serious about ending local armed conflict in the country, which is why I am encouraging NPA rebels to return to the folds of the law and take advantage of E-CLIP benefits, which include skills training, basic services, and other assistance in reintegrating into society.
Lt. Col. Canatoy also praised the collaboration of government entities that are assisting former rebels in gaining the required skills to become productive citizens and effectively utilize the funds supplied by the government.
