By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – In an effort to provide livelihood and skills training to former members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) facilitated a 45-day training on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) National Certificate 1.
Eleven former NPA rebels, who returned to the folds of the law, completed the training during their graduation ceremony held at the 94th IB headquarters in Barangay Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on Friday, Feb. 17.
The training started in Dec. 2022, and aims to provide technical skills and experience for the students as they incorporate themselves into the community.
Also, 14 Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) of Delta Company finished the said training, which was conducted through the help of the local government of Ayungon and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the province.
Lieutenant Colonel Van Donald Almonte, 94th IB commander, commended and thanked their partner agencies that dedicated their selfless support to the former NPA rebels.
This will provide them the opportunity to be more competitive in any job opportunity in society and even in other countries that will serve as an investment for their future, Almonte said.
In his message, Councilor Joseph Dayahan, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the 94th IB, for providing the facility and equipment needed for the training.
He also thanked TESDA and BEST, Inc. for bringing free skills trainings to Ayungon town through their programs.
