SUSTAINING CONVERGENCE EFFORTS: DOLE-IX Turns Over Check for FRs’ Livelihood Enterprise
The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) and the Department of Labor and Employment – Region 9 (DOLE-IX) continues to sustain convergence efforts during the visit of DOLE-IX RD Atty. Roy L. Buenafe at 53IB Headquarters, Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on April 18, 2022.
The visit of RD, DOLE-IX highlighted the turn-over of check to the Friends Rescued (FRs) of 53IB amounting Php 446,414 intended for “Matapat Sparadise,” a livelihood enterprise conceptualized and will be implemented by the 53IB and Saka sa Kaugmaon nga Hamugaway Initiative (SKH) where the FRs will be trained in various massaging techniques and the management of the livelihood enterprise.In his message, Atty. Buenafe said that 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,” said RD Atty. Buenafe.Meanwhile, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera expressed his gratitude to RD Atty. Buenafe for the granting of livelihood enterprise to the FRs.
“Let me express our gratitude to the DOLE-IX headed by its RD Atty. Roy Buenafe for advancing the welfare of our FRs,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.Dr. Moibe F. Olitres, the 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-IX 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,” said Dr. Olitres.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-IX for all of their help to us FRs,” said Marbie.
The activity was participated by the FRs of 53IB who were also students of Project Good Life. 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.
