DWDD: ARMS TO FARMS II Former NPA Rebels Reap Fruits of Labor in Bukidnon

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 28): ARMS TO FARMS II Former NPA Rebels Reap Fruits of Labor in Bukidnon

Impasugong, Bukidnon (DWDD) – Former NPA rebels working in the Arm to Farm program of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion received another bountiful blessing today, March 27, 2016, as they harvest the mushrooms in their pilot organic farm in Impasugong, Bukidnon. These rebels were among those who participated in the recently conducted Mushroom Production Seminar in the said Army battalion last March 5, 2016. This crop has been added to the organic farm’s various agricultural production components which include vegetable gardening, goat raising, swine production, poultry and inland fishery.

The Arm to Farm program is a convergence program of the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, the Department of Agriculture, the Local Government Unit of Impasugong, Bukidnon and the DILG-Bukidnon. It is aimed at providing agricultural based livelihood opportunities for former NPA rebels as well as the local residents in conflict-affected communities in Bukidnon. It is anchored at the IPSP Bayanihan’s “winning the peace” advocacy which endeavors to resolve local issues that breed conflict and insurgency. Moreover, the Arm to Farm program provides a shelter and a learning institution for former NPA rebels as they are reoriented and guided back to the mainstream society as they live a normal and peaceful life.

CPT ELEAZAR P ELARMO (QMS) PA, focal person of the 8th Infantry Battalion’s Arm to Farm advocacy, has stated the significance of the Arm to Farm program in the government’s effort to win the peace in the province of Bukidnon. “It is always important for us to find better ways to promote peace and help the local government units here in the province of Bukidnon strengthen and empower their communities by resolving local issues that create division and conflict among the people. The Arm to Farm program is a very promising effort that works on the attainment of these goals. It signifies our unit’s true commitment as a dependable partner in peace building and progress, particularly here in this beautiful province.” says CPT ELARMO. CMO 8IB / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/arms-to-farms-ii-former-npa-rebels-reap-fruits-of-labor-in-bukidnon/