Former Zamboanga Rebels Graduate from Intensive Construction Skills Program
In a significant step toward peace and reintegration, twenty-three individuals formerly involved in rebel activities, now referred to as Friends Rescued (FRs), have successfully completed a comprehensive 15-week vocational training program in Zamboanga del Norte. The initiative, a collaborative effort between the 97th Infantry Battalion (97IB) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Zamboanga del Norte, aims to equip these individuals with practical skills to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
Training Details and Certification
The intensive program, conducted from October 22, 2025, to March 13, 2026, focused on Tile Setting and Construction Painting National Certificate II (NC-II). Held at the TESDA Provincial Training Center in Sindangan, the training provided hands-on experience in construction techniques, ensuring participants gained marketable competencies. Upon completion, all twenty-three graduates were awarded their NC-II certifications, formally recognizing their qualification in these technical skills and enhancing their employability in the local construction industry.
Official Statements and Ceremony
Lieutenant Colonel Jessie Bergonia, commander of the 97IB, emphasized the program's importance in a statement: "This partnership with TESDA provides our Friends Rescued with valuable skills that will open opportunities for sustainable livelihood and help them start a new chapter of productive and peaceful lives." The graduation ceremony took place on March 13, 2026, at the 97IB headquarters in Del Pilar village, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte, attended by military personnel and TESDA representatives.
Omarkahyyam Dalagan, TESDA-Zamboanga del Norte Director, highlighted the role of technical-vocational education in empowering individuals: "Technical-vocational education is crucial for providing better opportunities and fostering sustainable livelihoods." Bergonia further noted the significance of inter-agency collaboration in supporting the FRs' reintegration into mainstream society, underscoring the program's alignment with broader peace and development initiatives.
Broader Impact and Future Goals
This training program is part of ongoing efforts by the Philippine Army and government partners to promote stability in Zamboanga del Norte. By offering skills development and livelihood opportunities, the initiative seeks to:
- Improve the economic prospects of former rebels through certified technical skills.
- Foster community integration by enabling participants to become productive members.
- Sustain peace and development in the province by addressing root causes of conflict.
The success of this program demonstrates a proactive approach to peacebuilding, focusing on empowerment rather than mere rehabilitation. As these graduates embark on new careers, their stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of education and collaboration in conflict-affected regions.
