TESDA to give training to rebel returnees, drug surrenderers, IPs

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Tuesday said thousands rebel returnees, drug surrenderers, and some indigenous peoples (IPs) from Camp Darul Argam and a satellite camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Lanao del Sur will undergo technical vocational training under the agency's Special Clients program.

In a statement, TESDA director Isidro Lapeña has met with leaders of the IP and Muslim rebel returnee groups, and said they have expressed willingness to undergo training programs under TESDA.

In a statement on Tuesday, Lapeña said the Special Clients program is expected to start this month and that the program's work plan was being drafted.

The TESDA said the core group will be composed of approximately 1,800 drug surrenderers, 2,000 MILF rebel returnees, and 1,000 Higaonon IPs.

It also said beneficiaries would undergo training programs in agriculture, agri-crop production, small engine mechanic, baking, carpentry, food processing, fabrication, welding, machinery, and other construction courses in facilities that include TESDA training centers in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.

Last February 11, Lapeña shared during a speech that he had met with leaders of the Muslim rebel returnees during the fellowship night of the National Directorate Conference in Cagayan de Oro last February 8, 2019.

“I met them. Yung feeling ko noong nag-uusap kami, parang naging attached sila sa TESDA at umaasa sila na matulungan sila, which will start with training with us,” the TESDA director was quoted as saying.

The statement also quoted TESDA specialist and Association of Concerned Employees (ACE) president Wilma Bathan, who said Abdul Amoran, MILF 6th Brigade Commander and Sultan, and Macabinta Rasuman, leader of drug surrenderers, "expressed their urgent and strong desire for assistance on training and livelihood.”

The TESDA also said its officials were able to visit the satellite camp of the MILF 6th Brigade in Lanao del Sur last February 7, noting it was the first government agency to be given access to the area.

Amoran has reportedly offered 10 hectares of land on which the TESDA may build additional training facilities.

The TESDA also plans to visit Camp Darul Argam, which it said is owned by MILF Deputy Commander Yasser Samporma and his family. — Margaret Claire Layug/MDM, GMA News