CAMP OSITO BAHIAN, Malaybalay City (PIA)–Twenty five former rebels (FRs) who graduated from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) Pipefitting Skills Training last month were directly hired by Aboitiz Construction Company.
Aboitiz Human Resource Officer Norvin Pitogo said the ex-rebels who are now pipefitters are currently deployed in various Aboitiz’s construction projects nationwide.
“These skilled plumbers will have a daily wage of P415 with additional incentives based on their performance. They will be tasked to install and maintain plumbing and piping systems of the firm’s construction projects,” Pitogo said.
Christopher Lediac, one of the ex-rebels hired by Aboitiz firm said, “Nagpasalamat mi ug dako sa atong gobyerno labi na gyud sa mga ahensya nga mitabang kanamo aron makabalik mi nga malinawon sa among komunidad isip miyembro sa katilingban. Nanghina-ut mi nga daghan pang sama namo nga nanginahanglan ang inyong matabangan.”
Acknowledging the ex-rebels’ needs and desires, TESDA Bukidnon provincial director El Cid Castillo bared that the 2nd batch for the pipefitting skills training, comprising 70 ex-rebels, is ongoing inside the Army’s 403rd Infantry ‘Peacemaker’ Brigade (403rd Bde) camp in Malaybalay City.
The project is in partnership with TESDA-Bukidnon, MACES Skills Training Institute, Aboitiz Construction Company, and the 403rd Bde.
Brigadier General Ferdinand Barandon, 403rd Brigade Commander, lauded the former rebels for their allegiance and commitment to embrace a happy and refreshed lives.
“This is the start of your new lives as our peace contributors. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating mga katuwang sa kapayapaan dahil sa kanilang taos-pusong pagsusuporta ay marami pang mga dating rebeldeng NPA ang matutulungan. We will continue to monitor the FR beneficiaries while they work and are away from their families. To those remaining Communist Terrorist members who have not yet surrendered, now is the right time to take the right path. Dozens of government programs await you,” BGen. Barandon said. (CMO 403Bde, 4ID PA/PIA Bukidnon)
