PASIG CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army (PA) and Pilmico Foods Corporation recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide livelihood trainings for Army personnel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philippine Army Commanding General Cirilito I. Sobejana and Pilmico President and CEO Tristan R. Aboitiz signed the MOU on the Livelihood Assistance Management Program (LAMP), through a virtual signing ceremony.

According to the PA, the MOU covers the following programs and trainings: Starting and Growing the Agripost Business; Fundamentals of Egg Machine Upkeep; Duck, Quail, and Poultry Raising; Hog Raising/Pulong Tulungan; Basic Aqua Farming; and Bakery Management Training.

The Army chief thanked the President and CEO of Pilmico for taking part in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship for the benefit of army personnel who gave the prime of their lives in the service to the people and country. He also thanked Pilmico for providing the retiring soldiers access to opportunity as he also enjoined other stakeholders to support the program.

"Such partnership becomes more pleasant as it honors our soldiers. It is about recognizing their deeds. This arrangement in essence, enables the Army to deliver its thrusts to uplift the morale and welfare of its personnel, which goes beyond service," said Sobejana.

In return, Aboitiz stressed that Pilmico is committed to helping the soldiers to have a productive life after retirement. Pilmico is the food and agribusiness subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures and considered as one of the largest milling companies in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Chief of the Transition Assistance Program of the Army Personnel Management Center (APMC) Captain Patrick Jay M. Retumban said that the event is part of the Philippine Army's Modified Transition Assistance Program (MTAP) for the retiring Army personnel, Complete Disability Discharge (CDD), and Army dependents as well.

Pilmico's LAMP program compliments the efforts of Philippine Army to educate their personnel on viable options and sustainable livelihood through various activities and trainings to be conducted in army camps nationwide.

The Army's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) seeks convergence with different government agencies, NGOs, and private corporations that offers package of services for the retiring and separating personnel and their dependents to facilitate their smooth transition into civilian life.

The TAP branch can be reached at telephone numbers 8-845-9555 local 6150 or 0906-3044632, or via e-mail at [email protected]. Interested personnel may also visit TAP offices in various Philippine Army Major Units. (PIA-NCR)