Assures lumads gov’t will help them secure a good education, employment
(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday announced the release of P100 million for the relocation of lumads, as he discussed other ways to improve their lives.
Duterte announced the allotment of P100 million for the indigenous people’s relocation to temporary shelters modeled after shelters in Marawi, as he spoke before their leaders in Mindanao at the headquarters of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City.
“Let us start now. Tomorrow I have something for you…There are NPA rebel camps there…What you will do, get out from there because I will go there, the soldiers will go there, if the area is already clear,” he said in the Visayan dialect.
The President also emphasized the role of education in transforming the lives of the lumad.
He said the youth could study in prestigious schools like Ateneo and La Salle with the government shouldering their tuition fees.
“Remember what I tell you, if you fail to educate your children, you will not get out from the mountains,” he said.
As for employment, he said able-bodied lumads could join Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGU), while those with a college education may train for the military.
Women were also encouraged to learn livelihood skills to help support their family needs.
“Disassociate yourselves from communists”
Duterte also warned the lumads against associating themselves with the communists.
“You will gain nothing from them, no SSS, you have nothing…Don’t look at fighting. It does not give you anything at all,” he said.
“You have a guide…I am in front of you, look at me. You fix your vision there because I will take care of my fellowmen, that is my duty to the country,”he added.