CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) participated in the ground-breaking and turnover ceremony of various projects to former Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) members in Ibajay, Aklan on March 10, 2022.
The Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army Major General Benedict M Arevalo attended the activity at the Kapatiran Peace and Development Community (KPDC).
There are 28 units of single-detached two-bedroom houses that are currently being constructed by the Army's 53rd Engineering Brigade. These shall complete the 44 units committed by the government to the members of KAPATIRAN.
Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. led the inauguration of Ibajay Coco Mill facility constructed by the Provincial government of Aklan for the KAPATIRAN community.
In his message, Galvez said the government is serious and committed in its journey towards peace to fulfill its obligations, as stipulated under all signed peace agreements.
The Emergency Food Reserve (EFR) facility was also turned over to the former rebels. The EFR is a subcomponent of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program by the Department of Science and Technology established in conflict areas within Western Visayas.
It is aimed at supporting the long-term livelihood of the KAPATIRAN and will benefit the neighboring communities through the provision of ready-to-eat food during times of calamities and disasters.
Representatives from various government agencies; DSWD, TESDA, DENR, PNP, NIA, Ibajay LGU and the Provincial Government of Aklan attended the event.
Major General Arevalo extended his appreciation of the government's efforts for pushing forward the comprehensive peace processes.
"Your Army in Western and Central Visayas is thankful to all government agencies and stakeholders in their continuous effort to ensure that the fruits of years of negotiations will result in the attainment of long and lasting peace," he said.///(Photos from PAO, 3ID, PA)
