DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, July 4 (PIA) -- A total of 40 former rebel-farmers received 100 upgraded goats from the Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD7) program to start their livelihood program.

This P1.3-million project is expected to increase the income of farmer-beneficiaries to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) areas of Guihulngan City.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here also provided sari-sari store kits to five formers rebels (FRs), cellphones, and high-breed vegetable seeds under its Pangkabuhayan Business Kit small business program.

These programs allow a wider reach of business development assistance to the FRs. 

The Pangkabuhayan Business Kits were composed of 40 goats for 20 FRs, sari-sari store kits for 5 FRs, cellphones, and high-breed vegetable seeds.

Area Coordinator John Mach Ogabang of DA said each farmer gets four does (female goat) and one buck (male goat).

Ogabang said the farmers were also given 120 bags of pollard feeds and 40 plastic water drums with 200-liter capacity, an ear tag goat marker applicator, and a digital weighing scale.

Norma Esolana, SAAD farmer beneficiary, thanked DA for the livestock she received as she can now start farming.

Esolana said that with the livelihood program, her children now have the assurance to get an education.

Juvelyn Maribong, another beneficiary, promised to foster the animals with proper care to expand their number and earn more out of it.

Guihulngan City Mayor Felomino “Mikoy” Reyes vowed to support and offer pro bono vitamins and biological needs aside from the technical support of the veterinary office.

Reyes is hopeful that the program will produce quality goat meat in the locality.

The Philippine Army's 62nd Infantry Battalion will also support the government programs and projects intended for the FRs’ reintegration to the mainstream society in Central Negros. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)