DAVAO ORIENTAL – One hundred fifty-five (155) decommissioned members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are set to become productive members of mainstream society after graduating from various skills training courses offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The participants received their training completion certificates in a simple ceremony held at Honey’s Hotel, Mati City, on November 4.
TESDA Provincial Director Leah D. Braga said the training included Bread and Pastry Production courses, Driving, Carpentry, Cookery, Motorcycle/Small Engine Repair, Dressmaking/Tailoring, Automotive Servicing, Electrical Installation And Maintenance, Welding, And Entrepreneurship.
Ms. Braga said these decommissioned combatants play significant roles in implementing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Vice Chairman and Davao Oriental Representative to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Mr. Ednar G. Dayanghirang said the partnership with TESDA also contributes to the government’s bid to realize its peace and development agenda.
He also called on the former combatants to use their newly acquired skills to benefit their children, families, and communities and be “active participants in the peace process.”
The training activities are components of the socio-economic programs under the Normalization Annex of the CAB – the peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF after more than 17 years of negotiations.
“The provincial government, through its different participating line agencies remains committed in delivering what have been agreed upon under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Mr. Dayanghirang added.
The decommissioning process of the MILF is part of the signed CAB. This milestone was immensely acclaimed by the OPAPP and is one of the reasons why the province of Davao Oriental is seen as a model province in peace process.
All 155 decommissioned combatants will receive the same socio-economic packages and training opportunities that would enable them to transition to productive, civilian lives. | Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
