00:00With the help of TESDA, a story of hope and transformation unfolds in Agusan, Del Norte
00:05as former rebels learn new skills to begin a new life.
00:09Nora Lanuza Molde from the Philippine Information Agency in Agusan, Del Norte tells us more.
00:16178 scholars, including former rebels and members of the CAFGO Active Auxiliary,
00:21completed the technical and vocational courses offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, or TESDA,
00:28in Cabadbaran City, Agusan, Del Norte.
00:30Among them is Bembem, a former rebel and a single parent,
00:33who considered this training a better opportunity to start a new life with her family.
00:37I am thankful that they gave me a second chance in my life to change, to follow my own decisions.
00:47I am thankful for the opportunity they gave me to change as a former rebel.
00:55Bembem plans to use her newly acquired skills to become a TESDA certified trainer
01:00and help others who wish to turn their lives around.
01:03The graduates underwent training in various fields such as automotive repair,
01:07welding, and food preparation.
01:09TESDA also provided them with starter toolkits to support their reintegration to society.
01:14According to TESDA Caraga Regional Director Florencio Sonico, Jr.,
01:17these programs offer a new hope to former rebels and marginalized individuals,
01:22enabling them to achieve a better future.
01:25The life of Bembem is a testament that we have a caring government,
01:29that education and sustainable livelihood pay way to lasting peace.
01:34From the Philippine Information Agency Agusan del Norte, Nora Lanusa Molde, Balitang Pambansa.
