BACOLOD CITY – The Army 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) has congratulated 11 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels for completing their 45-day training on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) National Certificate 1.
Their graduation ceremony was held at the 94th IB headquarters in Barangay Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on Friday, Feb. 17.
Aside from the rebel returnees, 14 Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) members from the Delta Company also finished the training conducted through the help of the local government of Ayungon and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the province.
According to the Army, their training started in December 2022 and aims to provide technical skills and experience for the former communist guerillas as they incorporate themselves to the community.
Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th IB commander, thanked partner-agencies for their selfless support for the former NPA rebels.
Almonte said that their certificate will provide them the opportunity to be more competitive in any job opportunity in society and even in other countries. This will also serve as an investment for their future, he added.
Ayungon Councilor Joseph Dayahan thanked the 94th IB for providing the training facility and equipment. He also thanked TESDA and BEST Inc. for bringing free skills trainings to the town through their programs.