COTABATO CITY – A total of 64 ex-combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) started skills training on carpentry, masonry, and plumbing on Sept.28 at the Farasan Institute of Technology, Inc. in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
The training, which will run for 39 days, is conducted by the Bangsamoro Government’s ministries of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) and Interior and Local Government (MILG).
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim said: “Ako po ay lubos na nagagalak na makita ang ating mga kasamahan na nakiisa sa inisyatibong ito. Alam ko na hindi magiging madali lahat.”
“Karamihan sa atin mula sa ground ay patuloy pa ring pinag-aaralan ang buhay sibilyan, ang buhay na malayo sa karahasan at ang buhay na magbibigay pagkakataon sa atin upang makauwi at makapiling muli ang ating kanya-kanyang pamilya,” he added.
CM Ebrahim was represented by BARMM Spokesperson and MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo.
According to Sinarimbo, the training will help transform the former combatants into productive citizens of the Bangsamoro. “Gusto po naming pasalamatan kayo (former combatants) dahil nagtiwala kayo sa amin na alalayan kayo sa daan tungo sa pagbabago,” he said.
Meanwhile, MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal said that through Technical Vocational Education and Education (TVET) Program, “the ministry shall provide more opportunities to our Bangsamoro learners to reach their aspirations.”
“To our former combatants, the Ministry is here to assist you on this vital journey by providing accessible education,” Iqbal said.
The training is also part of the MILG’s Project TUGON or the “Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit” which provides humanitarian intervention to former combatants to help them transition to civilian life.
After completing the training, MBHTE and MILG will endorse the beneficiaries to be among the skilled workers of the Ministry of Public Works. (Bureau of Public Information)
