Agusan del norte: The provincial government of Agusan del Norte and the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) are jointly preparing former New People's Army (NPA) combatants for reintegration into society through livelihood and business ventures.

According to Philippines News Agency, the New Life Masigasig Farmers Association (NLMFA), a collective of over 100 former rebels, is set to initiate several livelihood projects, including a bakery, a hollow block-making business, and a water-refilling station. On Tuesday, 30 leaders and members of the NLMFA completed a two-day Occupational Safety and Health training session at the 23IB headquarters in Buenavista.

Nikko Torralba of the Kagawas 143 Peace and Development Center remarked in an interview that the training is designed to equip the association's leaders and members with the necessary skills for their entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, a session focused on finance and management is scheduled for February to further prepare the association for its business activities.

The bakery project has been allocated a budget of PHP150,000, while the water refilling station has received PHP800,000, both financed by the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. The hollow block-making business is supported by the provincial government through the provision of essential materials such as cement, sand, and gravel.

In a separate interview, 'Ka Pang,' president of NLMFA, expressed gratitude for the government's comprehensive support, which has facilitated their transition from combatants to productive community members. He highlighted the series of training sessions on baking and hollow block making conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority as part of their preparation.