STA. MARIA, Ilocos Sur, Dec. 12 (PIA) – Twenty residents of Sitio Paring, Babal-lasioan village here started their 10-day skills training on motorcycle and small engine repair and maintenance on Tuesday, December 8.
Fourteen of the said trainees are former members of the Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) – who withdrew their support to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and took oath of allegiance to the government on October 2, while the other six trainees are their relatives.
This community-based training program is a collaboration between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Ilocos Sur Provincial Office, the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC)-Santiago Campus, and the 81st Infantry (SPARTAN) Battalion, 702nd Infantry (DEFENDER) Brigade, Philippine Army.