BONTOC, Mountain Province – Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and Committee co-chair on peace and order Henry D. Bastian administered the oath-taking of the officers of the Mountain Province Balik Loob Organization during the closing ceremonies of the Capacity Building for Former Rebels at the Teng-ab Pastoral Complex recently.
The event was witnessed by Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Miguela P. Angwani, Rev. Fr. Marcial Lloyd C. Castañeda and Civil-Military Operations Officer, 2nd Lieutenant Jhacel Y. Dolor.
In his message Bastian thanked the rebel returnees for coming back into society, he knows what that they did is a big sacrifice for members of the community. They are proof that the programs of the government are sincere and asked the participants to always give their honest comments on the performance of government because this will always be an opportunity for everyone to improve and that they should not be ashamed in coming to them if they need assistance with their problems.
As members of the community, Bastian advised the rebel returnees to help their kailyans by taking roles of leadership or to simply be role models of discipline and cooperation, encouraging them to take advantage and participate of the programs that the government has to offer regardless of changes in administration.
Moreover, Bastian congratulated the participants for renouncing any rebels who intend to recruit them again in the future and not be swayed so easily with promises and money, further assuring them that they will always have the support of the government. Bastian also provided financial assistance to the participants for their transportation back to their respective municipalities.
Rev. Fr. Castaneda congratulated the returnees for completing the capability building and their activity called “Spirituality on Conversion” where they used music and focused on the importance of prayer and how prayer leads one to understand the self when angry or when in conflict with people.
According to Castaneda this resulted in the forgiveness of self to learn to forgive others and finally reaching peace. He happily discussed how the participants opened up and shared their stories and struggles while expressing their honest desire to be back in the fold of government and society.
Finally, Angwani on behalf of the Provincial government expressed their gratitude to the different partners and agencies who made the activity possible.
“It is only through the cooperative efforts of each agency and individual involved that the three day Capacity Building for Former Rebels became a success,” Angwani said.
She then encouraged the officers of the Balik Loob Organization to take the responsibility of leadership especially in working with the various agencies that will be assisting them in the process of the livelihood programs which was offered to them and hopes for the success of their projects and assured them of the continued support of the PLGU MP.
By Bendahara Beau K. Macliing