At least 40 indigenous people (IP) belonging to the Mamanwa tribe in the Agusan del Norte town of Kitcharao completed a five-day livelihood skills training on Sunday (Sept. 20) facilitated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, 29IB commander, described the series of livelihood training for the Mamanwas in Sitio Zapanta Valley, Barangay Bangayan, Kitcharao, as an “investment to help them improve their lives and the future of their communities”.

“The government continues to shower our people, especially the IPs with support and skills training because these would qualify them for future work and the means to a far better future for their families,” Criste said.

Of the 40 IP participants, 13 have completed haircut training while 27 completed their course in manicure and pedicure.

Criste said the training was supervised by TESDA Provincial Director Rey Cueva himself and vocational trainer Marlito L. Castro.

“The five-day activity ended with satisfactory results and the 40 IP participants have gained useful skills which can help them earn extra income,” the Army official said.

“Let us work together to support our government and never allow the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) to take control of our lives and our community,” Cristy told the IP participants to the training.

Zapanta Valley is considered a Peace and Development Zone (PDZ) in the province of Agusan del Norte where government interventions through Executive Order No. 70 are being implemented to end the local communist armed conflict.

TESDA and 29IB also facilitated a four-day food processing training to 69 IP members composed of former rebels, women, and members of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Zapanta Valley early this month. (PNA)