Former rebels, farmers in Negros Occidental finish agriculture training

October 14, 2021

Atleast 24 former rebels and farmers in the Municipality of Enrique B. Magalona in Negros Occidental have completed training on Organic Agriculture Production NCII provided by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The graduates received certificate of achievement in Organic Agriculture Production NC II during their graduation rites held at Barangay Canlusong Plaza last September 28. The training was provided under the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Project dubbed as “Tulong-tulong para sa Pag-asenso ng Barangay Canlusong.”

In her speech, TESDA Negros Occidental Acting Provincial Director Romelia Nuezca emphasized that the program is part of the effort of the government to address the root causes of insurgencies and other armed conflicts.

“TESDA will continue to work with other government agencies and with you [people] in pursuit of just and lasting peace towards development where no one is being left behind,” Nuezca said.

Nuezca was joined by Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, Commanding Officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion; PCPT Eric Doronila, E.B. Magalona Acting Chief of Police; Meriam Porras, Punong Barangay of Canlusong; Jojo Vargas, E.B. Magalona Environmental Specialist and representatives from DTI and Municipal Agriculture Office.

Javines congratulated the graduates and urged them to use their newly-acquired skills to pave the way for a better life.

“What TESDA does is very inspiring and encouraging. They are not afraid to climb mountains just to provide services in areas that are not yet within the reach of government services. As partner of TESDA, we in the Philippine Army are happy and willing to provide assistance and support to their development programs,” he said.

Out of their training, they were able to establish a mini-organic farm which will become their source of food and livelihood in the future.

Meanwhile, 23 of them are now NC II holders after successfully passing the TESDA’s competency assessment.

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