DOST, LGU, PNP ink agreement to help former rebels

By Merlito G. Edale, Jr. / Philippine Information Agency

SAN MARIANO, Isabela – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Local Government Unit here and the 1st Isabela PNP Mobile Force Company have agreed to provide livelihood assistance for Former Rebels (FRs).

DOST Isabela head Lucio Calimag said his office has allocated P300,000 through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.

He said that through the CEST, the former rebels will be provided with an empowered, inclusive, and resilient community particularly in Sitio Udjao through the conduct of livelihood technology trainings and workshops for the former rebels.

Calimag added that the beneficiaries will also be provided with portable solar drying trays which they can use for efficient and practical drying of their high-value crops.

The LGU of San Mariano, on the other hand, has recently launched its Project Sarili’y Mo’y Uusad Biyayang angkabuhayan Laan na aming Igagawad (SUBLI) for the former rebels in support to Executive Order No. 70 of President Duterte's program to end local communist armed conflict in the country.

The police and the military will also provide former rebels with security while the livelihood programs and projects are being implemented in their communities. (BME/MGE - PIA-2/Isabela)