THE Army’s 97th Infantry Battalion (97IB) has facilitated the creation of a People’s Organization (PO) federation in Zamboanga del Norte, the military said Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Sanz, 97IB commander, said the creation of the PO federation, whose members comprise of Friends Rescued, was made in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Saturday, November 30, at the headquarters of the battalion in Del Pilar village Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.
The Friends Rescued comprises of members and supporters of the New People Army (NPA), who surrendered to live peaceful and progressive lives together with the loved ones.
During the activity, an election was held to form a new set of officers and they named the federated PO as United People for Peace, Development, and Reconciliation Federation.
“The establishment of the United People for Peace, Development, and Reconciliation Federation is a testament to the dedication and resilience of community members striving to improve their social and economic conditions,” Sanz said in a statement.
First Lieutenant Elham Sirajan, 97IB Civil-Military Operations officer, emphasized during the activity the importance of forming a federation of Friends Rescued (FRs) organizations in Zamboanga del Norte.
Sirajan said the federation would unite different groups of Friends Rescued, allowing them to collaborate on community issues and would also give members the opportunity to actively participate in local governance, empowering them to take on leadership roles and contribute to positive change in Zamboanga del Norte.
Alvin Arcete, a representative of DOLE, has assessed and explained the process of federating people’s organizations to the participating Friends Rescued.
Arcete also conducted a comprehensive lecture on the Department of Labor and Employment's Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).
Sanz said they will continue to support the federation by offering guidance to ensure its sustainability and success.
Sanz said the initiative stands as a model for community engagement and development that can be replicated throughout Zamboanga Peninsula. (SunStar Zamboanga)