These former NPA combatants were among the graduates during the graduation and moving up ceremony held on Monday, May 20 at the Barangay Hall of Malabog, Paquibato District, this city.
The City Information Office reported that seven of the former rebels graduated from elementary school, while seven moved up to junior high school.
An elementary-level completer thanked those who made the program possible.
"I am really thankful to the DepEd and the Peace 911, I am truly grateful because they did not stop supporting us former rebels,” he said in vernacular.
He said he is hopeful that in the future he wants to become a soldier to help his family.
Another FR, a mother of four also expressed happiness by this accomplishment, saying “Happy kayo nga nahuman gyud nako ang junior high, at least kung naa pa'y ika-hatag ang goverment para mag senior high or Tesda padayon pa gihapon mi ana.”
She wishes that this achievement will help her realize her dreams after her release.
Among those who attended the ceremony were the family members of the FRs, the Department of Education Division - ALS, Barangay Captain Jesselito Areja, Police Station (PS) 7 Commander Major Jack Tilcag, and Peace 911 Focal Person Atty. Jonah Margarette F. Presto.
Each of the completers was given a certificate stating that they successfully completed the needed requirements for elementary/junior high school based on the curriculum prescribed at Police Station 7 ALS Community Learning Center. These FRs were temporarily detained at the PS 7 while awaiting decisions on their cases.
Tilcag, in his speech, shared his joy and pride for the successful conduct of the ALS program for FRs with the stakeholders. He also commended the ALS teachers who took time and effort to teach the learners.
"We are thankful to the local government, to the teachers who put their effort in this program, for the FRs who listened to us and put their trust on us, until forever, this is an event which will be remembered and I am truly proud that we have FRs who were given education through the ALS,” Tilcag said.
Tilcag said he was hopeful that the achievement would inspire the completers, give them a positive outlook in life, and inspire them to work hard for their future goals.
Barangay Captain Areja also congratulated all the completers and encouraged them not to stop dreaming.
Presto, meanwhile, extended gratitude to the DepEd Division District Office and the ALS teachers saying that the graduation and moving up ceremony is the result of the sacrifices made by the teachers.
Presto also congratulated the completers for finishing their respective educational levels, adding that attaining education is a good opportunity that they could use.
Presto said that the accomplishment of the FRs is a sign of their continued efforts.
She said that Peace 911 is also relentless in its effort to assist them in building a better future, along with their families.
She gave assurance to the crowd that Peace 911 would support the communities and would continue to listen to the various needs of the community.
She said she hopes that by next year, with the help and cooperation of stakeholders, more FRs will graduate or move up.
The program is in partnership between the City Government of Davao through the Peace 911, the Department of Education, and the Davao City Police Office.
Photo from Davao City Gov't