Philippine Army and Skills Training Partnership: Empowering Lives for Peace and Prosperity

 In collaboration, the Philippine Army's 702nd Infantry Brigade and the Career Builders Skills Training and Assessment Center Inc. have joined forces to deliver training and employment opportunities to military personnel, their dependents, and individuals residing in geographically isolated and conflict-affected regions of Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bataan, and Zambales.

Brig. Gen. Gulliver Señires, the commander of the Philippine Army's 702nd Infantry Brigade, explained in an interview on Wednesday that the initiative is a training-to-work program designed to combat poverty and promote peace and security.

The program involves a 15-day training period, targeting an initial group of at least 100 participants who will receive training in masonry, welding, and carpentry. During their job search, participants will be provided with free accommodation and allowances.

 The military places a priority on the well-being of soldiers and their dependents, recognizing that a financially stable military family contributes to the strength and dedication of soldiers, ensuring integrity in their duties," emphasized Señires.

 He also emphasized that the opportunity for development through this program would be extended to willing constituents.

"For those who desire employment, once trained, we will facilitate their placement to alleviate poverty and contribute to peace and security," he stated.

Highlighting the program's alignment with the anti-insurgency campaign led by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), Señires stressed the connection between poverty and insurgency. The goal is to prevent residents in geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas from falling victim to deception, he added.