To date, 76 former rebel soldiers have graduated from MOST, a skillls training program to help returnees integrate into society.

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A hammer might not seem like a fair trade for a gun, but for rebel soldiers who chose to lay down their weapons, the trade meant a new future.

"When these rebels went to the mountains, they learned one skill and that was how to pull the trigger and kill a person," said Major Medel Aguilar, Commander 5th Civil Relations Group (CRG) of Davao City. "Now they are being trained in how to use a hammer, and with this carpentry tool, they can build a house."

As a result of a group effort between Operation Blessing and the Humanitarian International Services Group, the 5th CRG and local government officials, the Mobile Out of School Training, or MOST, was born. The school is geared toward helping former Davao rebels integrate into normal life.

"I thought joining the Communist Party was the answer to feeding my wife and 8 children, but I made a mistake," said Jetro, a former rebel who participated in the MOST program. "We lived in fear and up until now, I am still haunted by the crimes I committed."

A special ceremony was held to kick off the program in March where soldiers exchanged weapons for the tools of their new trades. The school lasted one month and helped train students in skills such as woodworking, air-conditioning repair, cosmetology, dressmaking and electrical.

Above, graduates received starter kits containing tools specific to their new trade.

To date, 76 former rebel soldiers have completed the course, attending classes 6 days a week for about 9 hours a day. Graduates also received starter kits containing tools specific to their new trade. Event coordinators hope to hold another training session next year.

"This program proved to be significant and successful because many are working together to attain the goal of development and peace," said Edsel Mijares, Philippine presidential adviser on the peace process. "It is impossible to wage a war against poverty and hopelessness if there are no community programs like MOST."

Already, thanks to local government partners and agencies, many students from the program have been able to find employment and help with starting their own business.

"Now I believe that the solution to poverty is not armed struggle, but working hard at your job and making your business grow," said Karina, a former communist rebel of 14 years. "Thank you, Operation Blessing, for everything you’ve done for us."

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This microenterprise venture is one of many Operation Blessing projects touching lives around the world. You can be a part of improving the quality of life for impoverished communities by supporting these and other life-changing programs.

 

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