Manila: At least 23 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and their dependents have completed a 10-day livelihood skills training on bread and pastry production as part of the government’s support for their reintegration into civilian life. The training aimed to equip participants with practical baking and entrepreneurial skills to help them build sustainable livelihood ventures after abandoning the NPA, the Philippine Army 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) said on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the course combined theoretical and hands-on sessions on bread, pastry, and cake preparation, along with lessons on food safety, sanitation, and basic business management. The initiative is a partnership among the 19IB, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Las Navas Agro-Industrial School, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

‘This training is not only about baking bread – it’s about rebuilding lives and fostering hope. Through the support of TESDA and DSWD, our former rebels and their families are now better equipped to sustain themselves and contribute to peace and development in their communities,’ Maj. Leo Abulencia, 19IB executive officer, said in a phone interview.

The initiative also forms part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and the government’s whole-of-nation approach that seeks to assist former insurgents in rebuilding their lives and becoming productive members of society. The successful completion of the bread and pastry production with National Certificate II course marks another milestone under the government’s localized peace engagement framework.