DAVAO ORIENTAL (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 1, 2013) – Government troops and pro-government militias held the first “harvest festival” in Mati City in Davao Oriental province in southern Philippines, army officials said Thursday.
Officials said festival was jointly celebrated by Civilian Active Auxiliaries and the 72nd Infantry Battalion.
Col. Benjamin Madrigal, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, graced the festival which was attended by villagers and local government officials and representatives of various government agencies.
The festival served as model of improved technology on agriculture.
“The Philippine Army, particularly the 72nd Infantry Battalion has joined the battle against food shortage and low income of farmers, both being at the very heart of the national poverty issue. Through its companies, the unit combats this problem with an “arms to farms” (community based activities) approach.”
“The long term effects of a livelihood based approach to the poverty and insurgency problems are yet to be seen, but a livelihood program module that is sound, effective and realistic actualized in military camps and detachments should be a good start,” 1Lt. Benedict Joy Corpuz, the battalion commander, said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
He said to enhance the livelihood projects in the command post, the militias were trained on livestock production and management by the Provincial Veterinarian Office.
He said an animal shed was also constructed which now houses eight goats.
“The farm is adopting – the cut and carries method of feeding – and forage and pasture – have also been established to reinforce source of indigenous feeds,” he said.
Corpuz said the initial beneficiaries of the program are the CAAs and their families, this being an additional source of income that promote healthy lifestyle as well. It will become the future basis for replication and modeling particularly in the community, he said.
“This program shows the true spirit of Bayanihan; the local government and local agencies will transfer the technology and maintain collaboration and partnership with the stakeholders in pursuit of tangible peace and development in the community,” he said.
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