CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – Former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels continue to receive livestock donations from the that will help them pursue livestock farming after abandoning the armed struggle.
Capt. Miguel O. Borromeo, Jr., Civil Military Operations (CMO ) officer of 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion (29th IB), said the donated livestock includes five piglets and 50 chicks.
“This time, the former NPAs are now taking advantage of an additional opportunity to make a living as they turned to livestock farming with the piglets and chicks donated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga region,” Borromeo told The Manila Bulletin.
“These piglets and chicks were turned over at headquarters at the 29th IB, in Barangay Del Pilar on Monday,” he added.
Forty-seven members of Nagkahiusang Returnees Workers sa Agusan del Norte Association (NRWAA), all former NPA rebels, already benefited from the government assistance, he said.
Last month, the local government unit of Agusan del Norte through its “AGUSAN UP” Project also donated seven piglets and 100 chicks which are now in the care of the former rebels.
The former NPAs also benefited from the livelihood training of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) such as electrical installation maintenance, organic farming training, and basic business management training.
Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, 29th IB commander, said the government will continue extending assistance to the former rebels (FRs).