A graduation and moving up ceremony was held on Monday for 14 former rebels or ‘Friends Rescued’ (FRs), who were able to complete their elementary and junior high education under the Alternative Learning System through a partnership between the City Government of Davao through the Peace 911, the Department of Education, and the Davao City Police Office.
The ceremony was held at the Barangay Hall of Malabog, Paquibato District on Monday, May 20, 2024.
Seven of the FRs graduated from elementary school, while seven moved up to junior high school.
An elementary level completer expressed his gratitude to those who made the program possible.
“Dako kog pasalama sa DepEd, then sa Peace 911 dako pud kog pagpasalamat kay wala sila niundang og suporta sa former rebel (I am really thankful to the DepEd and the Peace 911, I am truly grateful because they did not stop supporting us former rebels),” he said adding that he is hopeful that in the future he eyes to train as a soldier to help his family.
“Happy kayo nga nahuman gyud nako ang junior high, atleast kung naa pay ika-hatag ang goverment para mag senior high or Tesda padayon pa gihpon mi ana (I am so happy that I have finished, atleast if the government can give us more opportunities for senior high or Tesda we can continue)” another FR, a mother of four, said saying that she wishes that this accomplishment will help her achieve her potentials and dreams after her release.
The ceremony was attended by the family members of the FRs, the Department of Education Division – Alternative Learning System representatives, a representative from Manambulan Central Elementary School, Barangay Captain Jesselito Areja, Police Station 7 Station Commander PMaj. Jack Tilcag, and Peace 911 Focal Person Atty. Jonah Margarette F. Presto.
Each of the completers was given a certificate stating that they were able to complete the needed requirements for elementary/junior high school based on the curriculum prescribed at Police Station 7 ALS Community Learning Center. It was noted that the FRs were temporarily detained at the PS 7 while awaiting decisions on their cases.
Tilcag, in his speech, shared his joy and pride for the successful conduct of the ALS program for FRs with the stakeholders. He also commended the ALS teachers who took time and effort to teach the learners.
“Mapasalamaton kita sa gobyerno, sa teachers nga nag kugi aning programa, friends rescued, nga naminaw mo kanamo og nisalig mo kanamo, hangtod sa hangtod kini nga pahitabo kini dili malimtan og gipasigarbo nako nga duna kami FR nga natagaan og edukasyon pinaagi sa ALS (We are thankful to the local government, to the teachers who put their effort in this program, for the FRs who listened to us and put their trust on us, until forever, this is an event which will be remembered and I am truly proud that we have FRs who were given education through the ALS),” Tilcag said.
Tilcag said he was hopeful that the achievement would inspire the completers, give them a positive outlook in life, and inspire them to work hard for their future goals.
“Congratulations to all sa nakahuman, ayaw mo pag-undang og pangandoy (Congratulations to all the completers, do not stop dreaming),” said Barangay Captain Areja in his speech.
Presto, also in her speech extended gratitude to the DepEd Division District Office and the ALS teachers saying that the graduation and moving up ceremony is the result of the sacrifices made by the teachers.
Presto also congratulated the completers for finishing their respective educational levels, adding that attaining education is a good opportunity that they could use.
“Usa kini ka butang na pwede nato i-share sa atong kauban ug pwede nato ishare sa atong mga anak. Dili tanan tao nga same og sitwasyon sa inyuha nahatagan og opportunity nga maka eskwela yet kamo nakahuman mo. Ang inyong kinabuhi isa ka simbolo na dili pa gyud ulahi ang tanan kung unsa man ang atoang naagian sa una, kung unsa man ang atong nabuhat sa una, dili na muundang ang atong kinabuhi diha. ([Education is a thing we can share with others, and we can also share it with our children. Not everyone who is in the same situation as you was given the opportunity and finished your course. Your life is but a symbol and that it is never too late, whatever experiences you have had, it is just part of your life, and your life continues),” Presto said, adding that the accomplishment of the FRs is a sign of their continued efforts.
She said that Peace 911 is also relentless in its effort to assist them in building a better future, along with their families.
She gave assurance to the crowd that Peace 911 would support the communities and would continue to listen to the various needs of the community.
As this is the first year that they had an ALS program, she said she is hopeful that by next year, with the help and cooperation of stakeholders, more FRs will graduate or move up. CIO
