53IB, GLPS Empower Female Soldiers, Youth Leaders with Psychosocial Training for FRs
In accordance to President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust on Executive Order Number 70 in finally Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict, the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) in partnership with Good Life Psychological Services held a training program for facilitators of PROJECT GOOD LIFE FOR FRs (FORMER RESCUED), a research-based community extension service project on February 25, 2021, at 53IB Headquarters, Camp Maj. David Sabiod, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.
Spearheaded by Registered Guidance Counselor and Psychotherapist Dr. Moibe Olitres, the said project with the theme: “Project Good Life for FRs (Friends Rescued): Threading the Path to Fulfillment and Happiness” is a 12-month Pneuma-Psyche-Soma Holistic Wellbeing and Mental Health Psychoeducation Program for at least 50 FRs who surrendered to the 53IB.
The facilitators include selected Female Matapat Troopers and leaders from the 53IB’s Youth Leaders Summit.
“The training aims to provide essential tools in conducting psychoeducation intervention program for our Friends Rescued anchored to authentic happiness perspective,” Dr. Olitres said.
“This project is a testament that the government cares for our FRs in preparing them in their reintegration to society as responsible and productive citizens,” 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said.
In the Philippine Army’s area of operations in Zamboanga del Sur, the 53IB have recently fulfilled its mandate to dismantle the Regional Unit of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) through the unit’s combat and non-combat operations in partnerships with the local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs).
