Higaonons and Maranaos can now benefit from the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) following its launch through the cooperation of the different line agencies in Region 10 at Sitio Kibulag, Brgy. Lantud, Talakag, Bukidnon.
As a representative of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Secretary Isidro Lapeña, Director Lorenzo G. Macapili, TESDA OIC-Deputy Director General, reiterated in a message the PRLEC is a convergence program involving all government agencies wherein everyone plays a role.
He also mentioned the aim of PRLEC, which is to establish the Indigenous Peoples’ livelihood wherein it can be sustained even without assistance from the government.
Meanwhile, TESDA-X Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III, Chair of the PRLEC, asked for the full cooperation of the IPs for the implementation of the different government programs.
She also encouraged them to trust the government and refrain from being influenced by negative hearsay, maintaining TESDA will do its best to address the concerns and needs of the IP community.
The PRLEC initiative is one of the convergence programs under Executive Order 70 which aims to better serve communities, especially vulnerable ones, as part of the government’s efforts to promote and act upon sustainable and inclusive peace.
Highlights of the launching includes turn-over of the programs and projects to the IP community, the information and “Serbisyo Caravan” of the different government agencies.
Among the participating line agencies are CDA-10, DA-10, DAR-10, NM-DBP, DENR-10, DepEd-10, DOLE-10, DOST-10, DSWD-10, DTI-10, NCIP-10, NIA-10, NICA-10, PIA-10, PNP-10, 403rd IB, DOH-10 and TESDA- 10 as the chair agency.
DSWD-10 and TESDA-10 handed over 100 and 150 relief goods respectively, during the launch.
DTI-10 turned over 20 knapsack sprayers and opened their Negosyo Center to the products of the IPs.
DA-10 also turned over several agricultural programs such as Corn Program, Rice Program, High Value Crops Development Program, and the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) amounting to P425,700 to the whole of the Sitio Kibulag community.
Meanwhile, DOLE-10 handed over Certificate of Entitlements for Toolkits to the 21 IPs trained in masonry and carpentry last year by TESDA PTC-Bukidnon.
DENR-10 through CENRO-Talakag also handed-over cash assistance to 11 NGP beneficiaries.
For the major PRLEC project, TESDA-X unveiled the proposed Multi-purpose IP Hub which can be used as session room, a small-scale classroom or training area, a temporary storage, among others.