LUNA, Apayao –  Four special groups in Apayao benefitted from trainings under the Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) of the Department of Trade and Industry.

According to CLEEP Point Person Francis Pacio, Aetas and  jail inmates were trained on handicrafts  and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) on food technology transfer. Rebel returnees (RRs) attended a seminar on livelihood opportunities.

“These activities help poor families particularly the Aetas in Zumigue find employment and earn a living”, Pacio said.

He said DTI in coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology conducted handicraft training to 25 inmates at the Luna Jail to further improve their craft and make their time in jail productive.

RRs in Marag Valley were also trained on bayong production, in  cooperation with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Pacio said.

Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Apayao State College – Conner and Luna campuses offered women OFWs food technology transfer. This is a follow up activity of the leadership training for the group conducted earlier, Pacio said.

According to Pacio, DTI-Apayao facilitated  the conduct of nine Entrepreneurship Development Seminars and 14 Technology Transfer activities as its contribution to the CLEEP program of the Arroyo administration. **PIA