ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--The 4th Mechanized Infantry (Kalasag) Battalion initiated a livelihood project for former rebels (FRs) to provide for their basic needs while their enrolment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is being processed.

"Mayroon kaming mga resources na nakacommit muna sa kanila while waiting sa reimbursement from the E-CLIP kaya naisip namin na gumawa ng program para matustusan ang pangangailangan nila na hindi naman naaapektuhan yung resources ng Battalion," said Lt Colonel Rommel M. Pereña, commanding officer of the unit.

[We have resources that are committed to them while waiting for reimbursement from the E-CLIP so we thought of making a program to provide for their needs without affecting the resources of the Battalion.]

Pereña said they pursued a vinegar production project since it's easier and quicker to produce and the return is also high.

"Naisip namin dati ang paggawa ng turmeric tea which is medyo matagal gawin, dapat yung mabilisan lang. May kaibigan kami na gumagawa ng suka na similar sa Pinakurat ng Iligan. Naisip namin na madali itong ituro at medyo malaki rin ang kita rito," he said.

[We thought of making turmeric tea which takes a longer time to produce, it should be fast. We have a friend who makes vinegar similar to the Pinakurat of Iligan. We thought this is easy to teach and the earnings is also quite high.]

Pereña said they would be undergoing the processes required by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Food and Drugs Administration to institutionalize the "Sukang Kalasag" hoping that the FRs can continue to pursue this livelihood after their enrolment to the E-CLIP.

The Battalion commander disclosed that they are also pursuing other livelihood projects for the FRs such as hog raising through the help of the Department of Labor and Employment,  and dressmaking and knife making through the assistance of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. (APB/PIA-ICIC)