ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY (PIA) – 38 former rebels, now called friends rescued by the government, embarked on a new mission of improving the health and livelihood of individuals, families, and the community.
Formed in 2020, the friends rescued are now actively engaged in producing and selling turmeric tea as their new source of living.
This group is called the Community Integration Felisyano Alpha, Bravo 13 Producers Cooperative or CIFAB-13 Proco, three former guerrilla fronts in Zamboanga Sibugay which have been dismantled by the military.
“Gihatagan mi ug kahigayunan sa 44th IB nga makapanukod mi sa among association, nag utang mi sa batallion para mapundar ni na association,” said CIFAB-13 Proco President Antonio Dialagdon Roda.
(The 44th infantry battalion (IB) gave us the chance to start our association, even lending us funds to help establish it.)
The cooperative expressed gratitude for the assistance and support provided by various government agencies, local governments, and the military in their journey towards transformation and reintegration.
“Sa paningkamot sa mga ahensya sa gobyerno, dili lang indibidwal, kun dili association ang gitabangan para kinsabuhi sa tanan FR ang matabangan. Magpasalamat giyud mi,” Roda expressed.
(Through the efforts of the government agencies, they did not only help individuals but also supported the association to improve the lives of all former rebels (FR), providing relief and better opportunities for us. We are truly grateful.)
The military consistently helps in expanding the organization’s market, using their product as a token across battalions, officers, companies, brigades, and divisions.
Because of this, the group now has opportunities to travel to Manila to market their product and secure a space to apply for the approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
All interested buyers, may call the Department of Trade and Industry Region 9 hotline: (062) 955 3237 or message their Facebook page @dti r9.
From taking lives to saving lives, these friends rescued have transformed into advocates for health and wellness, proving that change is always possible. (EDT/CCP/PIA9)
