250k worth livelihood package awarded to people's org in Rizal, Nueva Ecija

Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – The troops of the 84th Infantry Battalion facilitated the awarding of Php250,000 worth of livelihood package consisting of assorted groceries to the Samahang Pangkabuhayan ng Macapsing (SPM) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Local Government Unit of Rizal in this province, in a simple ceremony held at Barangay Macapsing, Rizal Gymnasium on January 27, 2021.

The SPM was established thru the efforts of the Community Development Team (CDT) of the 84IB and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of LGU Rizal headed by Ms. Gloria G. Dioson.

According to 84th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer, Lit. Colonel Honorato L. Pascual Jr., SPM has already been registered at DOLE thru the help of the CDT. He further thanked DOLE Provincial Director Maylene I. Evangelista and Mayor Hannah Katrina L. Andres of Rizal for the realization of the project that will benefit the 20 members of the SPM.

“We hope that you [SPM] will use this livelihood opportunity to help your families to have a better future. Also, we would like to thank our partner-stakeholders for making this program possible,” said LTC Pascual Jr.

Meanwhile, Mayor Andres expressed her gratitude to the NTF-ELCAC, DOLE-Nueva Ecija, the 84IB, and Brgy. Macapsing for their outpouring support to the program and with the SPM. She encouraged the members of the organization to strive hard to grow as an income-generating group and subsequently inspire others through their journey of development.

Dir. Evangelista conveyed that their office has been very keen on catering to People's Organization from NTF-ELCAC target areas to create resilience from the influence of CPP-NPA-Terrorists (CNTs) and uplift the overall living condition of the people through the awarding of alternative livelihood programs. She promised to continuously monitor the progress of the SPM and offered immediate assistance in the event of necessity.

Major General Alfredo V. Rosario, Jr., PA, Commander of 7th Infantry Division said, "The Army acknowledges the role of our People’s Organization in nation-building, thus, close coordination with government agencies to help these organizations is important. We support this kind of community development initiative that will encourage more livelihood opportunities in the Barangays.”