By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) of the Philippine Army has partnered with the Escalante City government in strengthening the livelihood of former insurgents.
The 79IB, the city government and the Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office distributed 200 free-range chickens with two sacks of feed pellets to the Escalante Peace Farmers Association (ESPEFA), a farmers’ group formed mostly by former rebels, in the city’s Barangay Washington last February 7.
According to the 79IB, the activity underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder partnership, reflecting a whole-of-nation approach towards achieving a meaningful social impact that focuses on strengthening a sustainable livelihood for former rebels.
The collaborative effort ensures that the former insurgents receive the necessary support and guidance to successfully rear and develop a sustainable potential source of income out of a shared commitment to sustain the gains towards community development and social upliftment.
The program also aims to provide essential support to include access to technical expertise, training programs, and mentorship to optimize the potential for success and sustainability of their agricultural ventures.
Lt. Colonel Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander, said the initiative is in line with the battalion’s broader commitment to be of service, not only to the reintegrated citizens, but to the entire people of Negros.
“The 79IB’s remains steadfast in its mission to protect, sustain and empower former rebels throughout their transformation, empowering them, assisting, and guiding them towards a brighter future with a sustainable source of income, such as this livelihood program,” Calaoagan said./DGB, WDJ