The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has distributed livelihood starter kits worth nearly P30,000 each to 14 former rebels during the South Cotabato FR and Former Violent Extremists Summit in Cotabato City.
The support was provided by DOLE Region 12 in partnership with the 38th Infantry Brigade, Charlie Company of the Philippine Army, and the Lake Sebu National High School Multipurpose Cooperative.
Starter kits include tools for vegetable gardening, car wash, vulcanizing, barbershop, and grass cutting businesses. These aim to help beneficiaries earn income and support their families as they reintegrate into society.
Company executive officer 2LT Jusobem Agucay thanked DOLE for its continuous support to former rebels. Beneficiaries also expressed gratitude for the government’s assistance and vowed not to return to the mountains.
DOLE also profiled 70 other former rebels and extremists at the summit to assess their needs and link them to other government programs.
