Manila, March 19 -- The Negros Occidental provincial government has extended PHP3 million in financial assistance to the Association of Negros Producers Inc. (ANP) for the continued implementation of the Balik Salig Program, an initiative which aims to train farmers and former rebels to become entrepreneurs.

"Balig Salig" means bringing back the trust of former New People's Army (NPA) rebels and supporters to the lawful authority.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson turned over the check to the ANP led by its chairperson Christina Marie Gaston, president Arlene Infante, and external affairs manager Sybel Nobleza during their meeting at the Provincial Capitol here on Tuesday.

In an interview on Wednesday, Anna Marie Lucasan, officer-in-charge ...