CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental (PIA)–The 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental (PGMO), public and private stakeholders, and former CTG-NPA rebels formally opened its Anlag Ani Tapukanan Livelihood Arcade, September 28.
From the Higaonon dialect ANLAG-Sunshine; ANI-Harvest and TAPUKANAN-place of gathering, the livelihood arcade aims to give an avenue to products and services from former rebels who received different skills development and livelihood training from various government agencies.
“This place is a testament to good convergence in the spirit of the whole of the nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) and providing our former rebel’s livelihood as an integral part of integrating them into mainstream society,” said Former 58IB Commander Ricky Canatoy.
As one of the flagship projects of Misamis Oriental’s RTF-ELCAC, the arcade grants livelihood assistance that will contribute to poverty reduction to former rebels and reduce their vulnerability as they return to mainstream society.
More than 300 former rebels are expected to benefit from the livelihood arcade as more CTG-NPA surrender to the folds of the law each day.
“Nagpasalamat kami, uban sa akong mga kauban nga kanhi rebelde sa among nadawat nga supporta, wala kami karon dinhi ug dili tungod sa imong dakong pagpaningkamot para matagaan kami og bag-ong panginabuhian. Wala kami masayop sa among disesyon nga mubalik sa sabakan sa balaod tungod sa bagong kinabuhi ug paglaum nga inyong gihatag kanamo,” Former Rebel and President of the Anlag Ani Tapukanan Cooperative Robert B Bangcong said.
(We are thankful, together with my colleagues who were former rebels for the support we received, we would have not been here today if it were not because of your great efforts to provide us with a new livelihood. We made no mistake in our decision to return to the bosom of the law because of the new life and hope you have given us). (VPSB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
