Kin of soldiers, cops receive free training and financial assistance

LOAKAN—Six (6) dependents and/or family members of killed-in-action (KIA)/wounded-in-action (WIA) police and military personnel were given skills training and capability-building under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP) of the government.

The beneficiaries, who hail from Abra, Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province, completed free training. They are Narcy Batalier (Bread and Pastry Production NC II), Lydia Padawil (Driving NC II), Marvelyn Casil (Small Motorcycle Repair and Small Engine), Analiza Abing (Herbal Soup Making), and Lilibeth Wacguisan and Ada Gallao (Pinoy Hilot - Massage). They are Narcy Batalier

In addition, they received financial literacy training from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Entrepreneurship Training from the Department of Trade and Industry. “The skills training is provided in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed among government agencies involved in the CSBP,” said TESDA-CAR regional scholarship focal Susan Carbonell.

A major benefit for the beneficiaries is the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) which is given in two (2) tranches. Ms. Carbonell said that the first tranche of the SFA, amounting to P250,000 for KIA beneficiaries and P100,000 for WIA beneficiaries, shall immediately be given to legitimate dependents.

Upon completion of the skills training and capability-building programs, the remaining balance of the SFA will be released. The second tranche amounts to P250,000 for KIA beneficiaries and P150,000 for WIA beneficiaries.

To date, 16 beneficiaries from the Cordillera have availed of the benefits of the CSBP. The CSBP was established to help the families of the men in uniform who were killed or wounded in action or during police operations and in recognition of their heroism while serving the nation. (Pamela Mariz Geminiano/TESDA-CAR)