TACLOBAN CITY – Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda disclosed that he is planning to hire former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as tourist guides.
He, however, was quick to say that these rehabilitated rebels would undergo intensive training in tourism guiding, adding that they would also accept ordinary civilians who would like to work as tourist guides.
According to Mayor Agda, by hiring these former NPA members, not only they would have income but would realize that the government is there to help them as they return to a normal life.
As of last year, about 100 NPA rebels who were identified to be from the city have surrendered and returned to the fold of the law.
Mayor Agda made the declaration in hiring former NPA rebels during the recent site assessment of personnel from the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) of the Department of Tourism at ‘Sea of Clouds” located in Barangay Hebacong.
TIEZA has committed to fund some improvements at the said tourist attraction in the amount of P17 million.
The city government plans to put more facilities in the area that can be enjoyed by visitors like zipline or car cable that will serve as additional attractions and activity.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
