Baybay city: Thirty-one former members of the New People's Army (NPA) have received livelihood packages on Wednesday from the Department of Trade and Industry-Leyte (DTI-Leyte), in partnership with the Baybay City local government, to support their reintegration into civilian life.
According to Philippines News Agency, the assistance was provided under DTI's Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program, which aims to help former rebels establish sustainable sources of income and promote long-term economic stability. The beneficiaries are members of the Baybay Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association (IPDWA), whose members come from Barangays Cabungaan, Mapgap, Monterico, Amguhan, Ciabu, Maypatag, and Maysapa in Baybay City.
Of the 75 members, 31 qualified to receive livelihood packages for hog-raising and rice retailing after meeting program requirements, including having existing or ongoing small-scale livelihood activities. Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari expressed gratitude to DTI-Leyte, led by Provincial Director Faustino Gayas, as well as to the Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade, for their collaborative efforts in helping former rebels transition successfully to civilian life.
Gayas stated that the aid should be treated as a government investment and managed responsibly, adding that DTI personnel would closely monitor the projects. 'The DTI does not simply help. After six months, we will conduct follow-up visits because this PHP10,000 support is a government investment. Its success is in your hands. If you encounter any problems, you may visit the Negosyo Center, where trained business counselors are ready to help,' Gayas said during the turnover.
Col. Rico Amaro, deputy commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that government support for former rebels extends beyond their surrender. 'This shows that the government continues to care for your welfare,' Amaro said, encouraging beneficiaries to serve as positive examples in their communities by sustaining the livelihood projects entrusted to them.
