TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to promote sustainable livelihoods and reinforce peacebuilding in former conflict-affected areas, 16 members of the Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association (IPDWA) in Ormoc City received livelihood kits for hog production, government and military officials said.
The beneficiaries came from Barangays Guitiguian and Quezon Jr., where the livelihood assistance is expected to strengthen the local livestock industry while providing stable income opportunities to residents recovering from the effects of past unrest.
The distribution of the livelihood kits was led by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte Provincial Director Faustino Gayas Jr., with barangay chairman Bernardino Segovia representing Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez during the activity.
The program was implemented under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) initiative of the DTI, with support from the 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion, which assisted in the distribution of the business kits.
In a message of support, 2Lt. Ivy Grail Sibaton, acting civil-military operations officer of the 93rd Infantry Battalion, emphasized that livelihood programs play a crucial role in sustaining peace, as addressing economic needs at the community level helps prevent the recurrence of conflict.
Beneficiaries welcomed the assistance and expressed appreciation for the government’s whole-of-nation approach to development, which brings together national agencies, local governments, and the military.
Program Coordinator Diana Quiza said the initiative highlighted the importance of collaboration among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and civilian agencies in advancing inclusive growth and community resilience in Leyte.
The 93rd Infantry Battalion said it will continue working with partner agencies to support peace, development, and economic resilience in Ormoc City and nearby communities.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
