PIA Press Release Thursday, January 05, 2012 37 rebel returnees benefit from livelihood programby Juliet SaleyBONTOC, Mt. Province, Jan. 5 (PIA) -- The Livelihood Program for Rebel Returnees of the provincial government here has benefited a total of 37 rebel returnees in its first year of implementation. The program has provided P5,000 monthly allowance to each of the rebel returnees, who have signified their intent to avail of the program, in exchange for a community service rendered in the barangay where the rebel returnees are residing. This was implemented through a Memorandum of Agreement, which was signed by the provincial and barangay governments and the rebel returnees. The approved 2011 budget of the provincial government has provided an amount intended for livelihood for rebel returnees. To ensure the proper implementation of fund, Gov. Leonard Mayaen issued Executive Order No. 24 for the guidelines for the use of the livelihood for the rebel returnees fund. According to Provincial Social Worker and Development Officer Rosalinda Belagan, the program will be sustained this year. Before the resumption of the program, the rebel returnee beneficiaries shall sign the memorandum of agreement since it is renewable every year and to undergo re-orientation on the program, Belagan said. (JDP/JBS/PIA CAR-Mt. Province) |