FORMER rebels who are members of the Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan Inc. (Kapatiran) in Kabankalan City have gained a boost through a reintegration program of the government.
At least 40 Kapatiran members from Sitio Mambinay, Barangay Locotan in the southern Negros Occidental city were the beneficiaries of the training program initiated by the Central Philippine State University (CPSU) recently.
This is in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), which donated a sugarcane juicer worth P500,000.
“Kapatiran members find new hope in this reintegration program through practical life skills backed with technology support as they rejoin the mainstream society,” the institution said in a statement.
The series of training and workshops provided by the CPSU for sustainable livelihood opportunities intended for the group started in November 2020.
One of the highlights was planting and production of naturally grown sugarcane utilizing Ring Pit Method in support of its advocacy on agriculture conservation.
Earlier in December, it provided a “complete package” by also focusing on packaging and marketing of their own manufactured muscovado sugar.
These were being sold to partner agencies such as the Philippine Army, local government, and to the university that primarily facilitates the dispersal of the products.
The trainers included a team from CPSU-Bachelor in Sugar Technology and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture for the sugarcane planting and production.
The packaging and marketing of the final product were done by the Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business group.
CPSU President Dr. Aladino Moraca said the practical method for peace and order and poverty alleviation in the community will pave the way for the insurgents to bring back their trust in the government.
“As catalyst for social equity and rural industrialization through education and agriculture, we do not only address food security and economic development, but also build hope for a transformed life to rebel returnees through various practical climate-suitable, and environment-friendly agriculture practices and innovations that ensure food sufficiency and sustainable livelihood for them and their families,” Moraca said.
These are the steadfast goals of the university as it stands true to its aim of being the seed of life-changing technologies, he added.
Meanwhile, other partners for the program included the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Department of Trade and Industry, Kabankalan City Government, City Social Welfare and Development and 542nd Engineer Construction Battalion. (With PR)