TARLAC CITY (PIA) -- Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offered livelihood aid to farmers and youth in Tarlac City.
 
The activity, which was done in partnership with Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), gathered members of the Malayang Magbubukid ng Asyenda Luisita (MALAYA) and Malayang Kabataan ng Hasyenda (MPH).
 
In his message, OPAPP North Luzon Consultant Abraham Casis assured the MALAYA and MPH members of the government’s initiatives to provide them a life with peace and security. 
 
“We want to put an end to armed conflict because communist groups convince people to fight the government through deception and empty promises,” Casis stated. 
 
During the dialogue, TESDA Tarlac Representative Gerardo Gomez cited the six-day Concoction program that provides free training, cash allowance, personal protective equipment such as face mask and face shield, internet/load allowance, free tool kits and one year accident insurance to beneficiaries.
 
Meanwhile, DAR Tarlac Agrarian Reform Program Officer I Melody Acosta discussed their mandate and livelihood programs including the provision of financial assistance and machinery to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations like the MALAYA organization. 
 
Moreover, Acosta highlighted DAR’s campaign against hunger and poverty in partnership with the Northern Luzon Command dubbed as “Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty.”
 
The activity was part of the Local Peace Engagement and Poverty Reduction initiatives of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in line with the government’s “whole-of-nation approach” toward an inclusive and sustainable peace and development.
 
For her part, Florida “Ka Pong” Sibayan recalled the days she fought against the government as a former member of the leftist group. 
 
“After returning to the folds of the government, I realized all the wrong doctrines instilled by the leftist group. I am grateful for the government’s support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program because we're given another chance to start a new life and be with our family,” Sibayan said. 
 
Also present during the activity were the Civil Military Operations unit of the 1st Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service, and 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)