Up to 155 decommissioned members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Davao Oriental have graduated 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 in Mati City recently and are set to become productive members of mainstream society.
The training includes Bread and Pastry Production courses, driving, carpentry, cookery, motorcycle/small engine repair, dressmaking/tailoring, automotive servicing, electrical installation and maintenance, welding and entrepreneurship.
TESDA Provincial Director Leah D. 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 Ednar G. Dayanghirang, meanwhile said the partnership with TESDA also contributes to the government’s bid to realize its peace and development agenda.
Dayanghirang said he hopes “that these former combatants will 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.
All decommissioned combatants will also receive the same socio-economic packages and training opportunities that would enable them to transition to productivity and to live a normal life.
