Residents of NPA-infiltrated villages start 42-day skills training

By Joyah Mae C. Quimoyog

NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur – Twenty-three residents of two villages affected by local communist armed conflict here have started their 42-day skills training on Animal Production (Swine) NC II under the Special Training for Employment Program of the Office of Ilocos Sur Second District Representative Kristine Singson on January 7.

The trainees are hog raisers from barangays Marozo and Cadacad where some identified New People's Army-Underground Mass Organization members have surrendered last year.

Of this number, one is a former UGMO member, four are relatives of former UGMO members, and the rest are residents of the two villages.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Ilocos Sur is implementing the training through its registered training provider – the Cooperative’s Initiative Program on Agro enterprise (CIPAG), according to TESD Specialist II Wendell Botacion.

He said that the training is divided into two parts – the first 39 days is for the actual skills training on Animal Production (Swine) NC II and the last three days is for the entrepreneurship training.

He added that the trainees will receive Php160.00 allowance per attended training, starter kit, and accident insurance of one year duration, Php500.00 personal protective equipment allowance, and Php500.00 internet allowance.

This community-based training program is a collaboration between the TESDA, Office of Representative Singson, CIPAG, and the 81st Infantry (SPARTAN) Battalion, 702nd Infantry (DEFENDER) Brigade, Philippine Army. (JCR/AMB/JMCQ/PIA Ilocos Sur)