DA-Zamboanga Peninsula boosts livelihood of former NPA rebels

ZAMBOANGA. The Department of Agriculture-Zamboanga Peninsula, through its livestock program, turns over 30 heads of cattle Monday, October 5, to Matapat Farmers Association, whose members are former New People's Army rebels. A photo handouts shows DA Executive Director Rad Donn Cedeno (standing) orients the beneficiaries about the program. (SunStar Zamboanga)
ZAMBOANGA. The Department of Agriculture-Zamboanga Peninsula, through its livestock program, turns over 30 heads of cattle Monday, October 5, to Matapat Farmers Association, whose members are former New People's Army rebels. A photo handouts shows DA Executive Director Rad Donn Cedeno (standing) orients the beneficiaries about the program. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Department of Agriculture (DA)-Zamboanga Peninsula, through its livestock program, has turned over 30 heads of cattle worth P981,000 to Matapat Farmers Association in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, commander of the 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion, said the beneficiaries of the program are former communist New People's Army (NPA) terrorists who surrendered to the battalion.

Rad Donn Cedeño, DA-Zamboanga Peninsula executive director, led the turnover of the 30 heads of cattle to the beneficiaries in a ceremony held Monday, October 5, at the DA regional office in Lenienza, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Cedeño expressed optimism that the livestock program will help improve the livelihood of the former NPA combatants, who are members of the Matapat Farmers Association.

Cedeño encouraged the members of the group to properly raise the livestock and multiply them for the benefit of their families and association.

Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu has also expressed his support to the Matapat Farmers Association in their livelihood undertaking.

Yu said they can also avail themselves of the Provincial Government's Plant Now, Pay Later program for corn production to augment their livestock farming.

Marbie Nano, representative of the Matapat Farmers Association, said they are grateful to the DA for choosing them as beneficiaries of the agency's livestock program.

Nano said the program is a great opportunity for them to start a new life and improve their livelihood undertaking.

Herrera said his command gives premium to the welfare of former NPA rebels.

"They are our brothers and sisters now. We do our best to take care of them, and ensure their smooth transition to mainstream society," Herrera said. (SunStar Zamboanga)

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