THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided P446,414 worth of financial support to former New People's Army (NPA) rebels, dubbed as "Friend Rescued (FRs)," in Zamboanga del Sur.
The financial support is intended for the FRs' livelihood enterprise dubbed as "Matapa Sparadise," where they will be training in various massaging techniques and the management of the livelihood enterprise.
DOLE Regional Director Roy Buenafe, who turned over the financial support to the recipient last week, said the government has a big role in uplifting the FRs' way of life.
"The government has a big role in improving the FRs' lives, especially their transition to the mainstream society," Buenafe said.
Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, expressed his gratitude to Buenafe for advancing the welfare of the FRs through the grant of livelihood enterprise.
The recipient FRs are those who surrendered to the 53IB in its area of jurisdiction.
Dr. Moibe Olitres, Project Good Life president, also expressed her gratitude to DOLE for the livelihood enterprise and the FRs for providing data for her research.
"I express my utmost gratitude to DOLE-9 for providing the FRs an avenue to generate income. With this, the FRs will be more ready to face life as a holistically-transformed individual," Olitres said.
Project Good Life for FRs is an inclusive wellbeing psychoeducation program initiated by 53IB in partnership with various organizations and national government agencies that aims to translate the result of initial strength-based research inquiry among former rebels of the 53IB to community extension service.
It is a need-based program for FRs to support Executive Order 70 signed by the President which institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the country.
Marbie Nano, one of the FRs of 53IB, also expressed her gratitude to DOLE for all of their help to the FRs.
"We will be forever thankful to DOLE-9 for all of their help to us FRs," Marbie said. (SunStar Zamboanga)