CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga(PIA)- -The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently conducted capability building activity for 157 “Bantay Gubat”  deployed in Kalinga.

With the theme “Change Comes from Within,”  these  former members of the Cordillera Bodong Administration and Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA),  were briefed on their role as civil servants with emphasis on patriotism, protection and preservation of the environment.They were also  educated on strengthening their spiritual well-being to put God first in the performance of their duties and rediscovering oneself with emphasis on self-esteem and accountability in order to appreciate, love and respect others.

Also presented were updates on the peace process which includes quest for Cordillera autonomy, and  how to harmonize the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act    and forestry law.

PENRO Noel Barrientos said these bantay gubat are employed under job order contract by the DENR and their appointment is subject for renewal in January 2023. Part of their job is to assist DENR in implementing forestry laws,  man checkpoints,  manage nurseries,  act as forest patrols  and help in Information, Education and Communication activities.

As embodied in the Joint DENR-OPAPP Memorandum Circular 2013-02, the hiring of forest guards is part of the economic reintegration of former CBA-CPLA members towards their transformation into a socio-economic organization.

Under the DENR – OPAPP Forest Guard Program, the two agencies will provide livelihood support to former rebels through the implementation of the National Greening Program, forest protection and other forestry-related activities.

As of June 2017, 517 profiled and certified former CPLA members, their next of kin, and Comprehensive Local Integration Program beneficiaries have been employed. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)