At least 340 individuals from 34 people's organizations formerly supporting the communist terrorist groups in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon now benefit from a P2 million worth of livelihood assistance from the government.
The Department of Trade and Industry — in collaboration with the 88th Infantry (Maringal) Battalion of the Philippine Army in the province — assisted the former PO members to acquire income-generated livelihood packages they can use to start fresh.
The DTI's "Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa Program" with a total of P2,584,939 budget includes the provision of Agrivet supply, Sari-Sari Store Kit, Agricultural supply and bigasan business to former PO members.
The program is being implemented under the whole-of-nation approach and counter-insurgency strategy of the government's National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
A beneficiary said the livelihood package from the government would support the family's daily expenses by starting a new business.
Meantime, 88IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Christian Vingno, thanked the DTI for giving the former POs the necessary assistance and committed to being an effective partner of the government line agencies in pushing for peace and security in the province.
