TRANSFORMING LIVES: 53IB, Stakeholders Open Second Batch of Project Good Life
The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) in collaboration with the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) opened the second batch of Project Good Life, 53IB’s deradicalization program, in an event held at 53IB Headquarters, Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on July 27, 2022 with ZDS 2nd District Representative Cong. Jeyzel Victoria Yu as Guest of Honor and Speaker.
In his welcome remarks, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt Col. Jo-ar Herrera expressed his gratitude to Cong. Victoria Yu and other stakeholders present for gracing the event.
“Our convergence and collaboration will bring forth significant changes to this second batch of Friends Rescued (FRs),” said Lt. Col. Herrera.
Dr. Moibe Olitres, Project Good Life proponent, also expressed her gratitude to the stakeholders present.
“I would like to express my utmost gratitude for the consistent support of the government and non-government agencies. I am optimistic that together, we can usher transformation among the lives of our FRs for the better,” said Dr. Olitres.
The first batch of Project Good Life composed 42 FR completers. The project 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 the FRs of the 53IB to community extension service.
It is a need-based program for FRs to support Executive Order 70 which institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the country.
The government officials who also delivered their messages included: Lapuyan MTF-ELCAC Chairperson and Mayor Joel Sulong, Office of Civil Defense – Region 9 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ruel Halanes, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan SB Chair on Peace and Order Hon. John Regala.
