Ex-rebels train on organic farming

TRAINING FOR EX-REBELS: Some of the 10 former rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) are shown in this photo (with blurred faces to protect their identities) while undergoing a 10-day training on organic agriculture production sponsored by the Palawan government and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. (Photo courtesy of PIO/PNA)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Some 10 former members of the New People’s Army are undergoing a training course on organic agriculture production in this province as part of their amnesty under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) and the continuing bid to empower them back to society.

Lucita Padul, social welfare officer III of Palawan’s Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), said Saturday the training on Organic Agriculture Production (OAP) NCII in an undisclosed location, is from July 12 to 21.

Padul said its goal is to provide the rebel returnees with skills and abilities in organic farming to uplift their and their families’ lives following their return from armed struggle.

“Patuloy na isinusulong ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan katuwang ang ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan ang pagtataguyod ng kapakanan ng mga nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan o rebel returnees sa pamamagitan ng LSIP na ipinapatupad sa ilalim ng PSWDO (The provincial government, in close cooperation with other agencies, is continuously supporting the return of former rebels through the LSIP that is implemented under the PSWDO),” she said.

The OAP NCII consists of competencies that they must achieve to produce organic farm products, such as chicken and vegetables, including the production of organic supplements, such as fertilizer, concoctions, and extracts.

It has two elective competencies, which are about raising organic hogs and raising organic small ruminants. It is facilitated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

After finishing the course, they will have OAP NCII qualifications, which means they have been trained in producing organic supplements or fertilizers.

Padul said the training course also includes lectures on drug abuse prevention being led by the provincial police.

The rebel returnees are also provided with subsistence assistance, counseling, food, shelter assistance, educational support, and transport assistance.

“Ang mga ganitong aktibidad ay bahagi lamang ng pagtataguyod ng programa upang mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga former rebels (Activities like these are part of the provincial government’s commitment to ensure that the well-being of our former rebels are not neglected),” she said.

Padul added that the administration of Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez is serious in making the 10 former rebels become active community partners for change.

She said they hope their support for the returnees would encourage the latter’s former comrades in the NPA to surrender peacefully.

Padul commended the assistance extended to the LSIP program by the Western Command and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the former rebels who have expressed optimism in gaining skills about livelihood opportunities in agriculture.

The training course was provided under Provincial Ordinance No. 2540, series of 2015, which establishes the implementing guidelines and provision of assistance to rebel returnees through the LSIP.