(Photo Courtesy)
CATARMAN, Northern Samar- Thirty-three former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) took another step toward rebuilding their lives after completing the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (DepEd-ALS) program at Balay Darangpan on Tuesday, August 18.
The graduates, now referred to as peace builders, were recognized during a completion ceremony attended by representatives of government agencies and community stakeholders supporting their reintegration into mainstream society.
Among those present were Balay Darangpan center head Flormisa Panaguiton; Philippine Information Agency representative Aileen Diaz; ALS teacher Cenecio Loberiano; education program supervisor Nestor Ada; ALS superintendent Rodel Lutao; 2LT Melanie Manejero of the 803rd Infantry Brigade; and representatives of the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office.
Manejero congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue pursuing education and use their newly acquired knowledge and skills to build better lives for themselves and their families.
She emphasized that choosing peace and education provides an opportunity to start anew and contribute positively to their communities.
The completion ceremony also highlighted the government’s continuing efforts to support former NPA members as they transition back to civilian life. Through ALS, they are given an alternative pathway to education and opportunities to develop skills that can help them pursue livelihood and other productive endeavors.
The graduates’ achievement demonstrates their willingness to change direction and pursue a future centered on education, family, livelihood and peace.
The activity forms part of the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach, which brings together various agencies and stakeholders in implementing programs focused on education, peace, development and reintegration.
For the 33 Peace Builders, completing the ALS program marks not only an educational milestone but also another step toward a more peaceful and productive future for their families and communities.
(EUGENE M. ENANO)
