The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has identified 80 conflict-stricken barangays in Negros Oriental to be provided with skills and livelihood training to aid their income.

Of the 80 barangays, 33 were recent additions to the list identified by the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) in 2019, TESDA-Negros Oriental provincial director Fletcher Gumahad told the Philippine News Agency.

The conflict-affected barangays that TESDA identified are 4 each in Canlaon City, Bindoy, Siaton and Manjuyod; 16 in Guihulngan City; 7 in Sta. Catalina; 15 in Valencia; 2 in Zamboanguita; 12 in Mabinay; 3 in Ayungon; 6 in Tayasan; and 1 each in Bayawan, Dauin and this capital city.

Some of the previously identified barangays have been recipients of various skills and livelihood training while the 33 new ones for this year are still awaiting go-signal from the region, Gumahad said.

Meanwhile, Barangay Dobdob in Valencia will receive 25 tool kits this month, which will be used to produce organic concoctions.

The Barangay Dobdob Farmers Association had already trained on organic concoction last year.

“But we are continuing our efforts on how to reach out to these 80 barangays through various interventions as our commitment being a part of the TF-ELCAC’s Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster,” Gumahad said. (PNA)