Kalinaw News: 23IB joins conduct of Abaca Management Training for farmers in Agusan Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 27, 2021): 23IB joins conduct of Abaca Management Training for farmers in Agusan Norte



BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion has worked with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Philippine Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA) for the conduct of a three-day Abaca Management Training to the Indigenous People Community in Sitio Mimbahandi, Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on August 17-19, 2021.

The said training was composed of a series of lectures on the first day about abaca seed production by personnel from PhilFIDA and was followed by the actual planting and bagging of abaca seedlings on the second day and construction of abaca plants nursery on the third day.

Sitio Mimbahandi was also part pf the Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs) under the 23IB and considered before as guerilla base of the Communist-NPA-Terrorists (CNTs). For years, no government projects were introduced in the area as the CNTs hinder development initiatives and made the people suffer from the miseries of poverty.

Under the administration of Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and with the signing of Executive Order 70 or the Whole-of-Nation approach, Sitio Mimbahandi, and its nearby communities were able to receive training and support from DAR and PhilFIDA. The residents also received various planting materials seen to boost their sources of income.

The barangay officials of Camagong were thankful to the collaboration of the 23IB, DAR, and PhilFIDA for the support given to the residents of Sitio Mimbahandi. In a statement, the officials said: “Daku namong kalipay ug pasalamat nga nahatagan mi ug higayon ug unta dili malugda ang mga ahensya sa atong gobyerno kauban sa DAR, PhilFIDA, 23IB ug ang uban pa sa patabang kanamo.”

Alfritz Ceballos of PhilFIDA said that the Philippines is the major producer of abaca in the whole world approximately averaging 85 percent. He added that during their ocular inspection, Sitio Mimbahandi has potentials for abaca plantation.

“Good soil type and climatic condition, and training on the production of high-value crops will guarantee the IP community a lucrative abaca industry. Abaca will add variety to the livelihood of the IPs in Sitio Mimbahandi,” Ceballos said.

The 23IB was represented by 2Lt. Angel Grace Sebelina, the Civil-Military Officer (CMO) of the unit during the activity.

“The government is doing its part to help its people, this is now evident in the support which was given to the community. What the government is just taking from all of you is your time, efforts, and most importantly, your dedication to continuing this project,” Sebelina said.

She also assured the residents of Sitio Mimbahandi of the continuing support of the 23IB in all their undertakings to win peace and development.

“Rest assured that the Masigasig Troopers together with the local government unit and agencies will continue to work hand in hand to bring just the right services for everyone especially in the ConAAs areas such as Sitio Mimbahandi,” Sebelina said.

The training honed IP Community’s skills and knowledge on abaca production and management through hands-on lessons on conservation and agroforestry methods, with technical skills, and enterprise development. It also prepared them to become advocates against practices that would negatively impact the environment.

In his message, Lt. Col. Juilus Cesar C Paulo, the commander of 23IB expressed his gratitude to the partners of the unit during the conduct of the training.

“I am glad and grateful for the continued enthusiasm of our DAR and PhilFIDA partners who never get tired of extending help to the IP Community. Truly, this project wouldn’t be possible nor will it become successful if not for the converged efforts of various government agencies and of course, without the sincere appreciation and participation of the organizational members who have widely benefitted from the program.

Paulo pointed out that the 23IB will continue to work with its partner agencies to bring changes in communities, especially those that suffered for years at the hands of the CNTs.

“May we continue to work hand in hand to provide similar projects to all other community organizations, so that they may not only see the realization of the government’s promised help but also that they may feel that there is a government who truly cares for them,” Paulo said.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/23ib-joins-conduct-of-abaca-management-training-for-farmers-in-agusan-norte/