Former rebels in Brgy. Camingawan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, were recently trained in mushroom production to provide more livelihood opportunities for them and their families.
The 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army with the Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office, Program Beneficiaries Development Division (DARPO-PBDD), conducted the training on June 8, a press release from the Army said.
Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, lauded the dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated by the former rebels throughout the training program.
He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for their successful reintegration into society and encouraged other stakeholders to support similar initiatives that contribute to peace-building and socioeconomic development, the press release said.
During the training, the former rebels were taught essential techniques and procedures involved in mushroom production, including the preparation and mixing of substrate materials.
The participants were engaged in composting or fermentation for a duration of 21 days.
The comprehensive training was aimed to equip the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on mushroom production as a sustainable source of income, the press release said.*