March 12, 2019

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Isabela, in partnership with the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based here and the Provincial Government of Isabela, oficially launched the Project 'FROM ARMS TO FARMS (Leave the Arms, Live in the Farms) Monday, March 11.

Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr., TESDA Isabela provincial director, said the project will provide training in Organic Agriculture Production NC II to former rebels.

There are 25 former rebel-trainees who will undergo training for 29 days within the camp. The former rebels were from the provinces of Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao and Cagayan.

He said the project will provide training to Indigenous Peoples and to communities affected by armed conflicts.

“We will aggressively implement Project FROM ARMS TO FARMS in order to provide relevant intervention to our former rebels and to communities affected by armed conflicts,” Anduyan said.

After their training, another batch of former rebels will follow once the Philippine Army have processed their papers.

“I am happy that farm schools have expressed their fullest support to the project,” the director added.

During the formal launching, officials of the TESDA Isabela and the Philippine Army also discussed other programs and projects to strengthen partnership and linkage.

Other officials who attended were: Brigadier General Alden Juan C. Masagca, acting commander of 5ID PA; Major Norel D. Tayaban (INF), PA; Cpt. Antenor M. Hernandez (CHS), PA, Division Catholic chaplain; and Dr. Nestor Ave , acting regional director of TESDA-2.

The Project FROM ARMS TO FARMS is in consonance to Administrative Order No. 10 which centralizes all government efforts for the reintegration of former rebels also known as the Enhancement of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). ( MDCT/TESDA Isabela/PIA 2-Cagayan)

Source: www.pia.gov.ph