Rebel returnees continue reaping the benefits of the programs pushed by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in line with its goal of a whole-of-nation approach to annihilating communist insurgency in the country.
The program has brought some 40 former rebels a new hope to reintegrate within the community.
Recently, the Department of Information and Communications Technology in the Caraga region, in partnership with the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion of the Philippine Army with the support of the Agusan del Norte provincial government, provided a digital literacy program for the former combatants of the New People’s Army.
The program targets to empower former rebels to engage themselves with education, employment, entrepreneurship, and economic development instead of joining the “senseless” armed revolution.
About 212 Technology Empowerment for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development were installed in the region to cater to more beneficiaries as possible.
It offers Information and Communications Technology services and other digital literacy training to unserved and underserved communities.
The Philippine Army said it is part of various benefits made available for the FRs under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
The training likewise pushes capacity building, enhancement of abilities, and personality development for the FRs. Hence, their acquired new skills and knowledge will make them more productive and better equipped as individuals.