TACLOBAN CITY — Twenty-three former rebels and their dependents from Northern Samar have completed a 10-day skills training on bread and pastry production NC II, equipping them with practical livelihood and entrepreneurial skills to help rebuild their lives.
The training, held at the headquarters of the 19th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Opong, Catubig, concluded on October 20, 2025. It was jointly implemented by the 19IB, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)–Las Navas Agro-Industrial School, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
Participants underwent both theoretical and hands-on training in baking bread, pastries, and cakes, as well as lessons on food safety, sanitation, and basic business management — all aimed at helping them start small livelihood ventures and reintegrate smoothly into civilian life.
Major Leo Abulencia, Executive Officer of the 19IB, speaking on behalf of Lieutenant Colonel Ricky James Rosalejos, commanding officer, said the program goes beyond skills training.
“This training is not only about baking bread—it’s about rebuilding lives and fostering hope. Through the support of TESDA and DSWD, our former rebels and their families are now better equipped to sustain themselves and contribute to peace and development in their communities,” Abulencia said.
TESDA representative Neleanor Tejano and DSWD-SLP project development officer II Marlon Roldan also lauded the Philippine Army for its continued partnership in implementing capacity-building programs for former insurgents.
The initiative is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) under the government’s whole-of-nation approach and localized peace engagement (LPE) framework, which seeks to empower former combatants through education, livelihood, and community reintegration.
The completion of the bread and pastry production NC II course highlights the joint commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, TESDA, and DSWD to create sustainable livelihood opportunities — fostering lasting peace and inclusive development in Northern Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
