MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Aug. 07 – Soldiers and members of the Civillian Active Auxiliaries (CAA) of the 72nd Infantry (CAFGU) Battalion in Mati City, Davao Oriental held a Harvest Festival of Organic Vegetables 30, 2013.
The first harvest festival organized by the 72nd IB was attended by more than 100 residents, students and teachers of Mayo National School, local government units, national line agencies and other stakeholders in the area.
The Harvest Festival served as a model of improved technology on agriculture and a kick-off activity to showcase natural farming technology and exemplify Bayanihan spirit in the community.
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.
Commander of 701st Infantry (KAGITINGAN) Brigade,Colonel Benjamin R Madrigal in his speech was hopeful such project will result in reduction of poverty as well as check insurgency.
“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,” Madrigal said.
To enhance the livelihood projects in the command post, the CAAs were trained on livestock production and management by the Provincial Veterinarian Office. An animal shed was constructed which houses eight goats. The farm is adopting the “cut and carries” method of feeding. Forage and pasture have also been established to reinforce source of indigenous feeds.
Commanding Officer of Bravo Company of 72IB, 1stLieutenant Benedict Joy Corpuz said, “the initial beneficiaries of this 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.”
Corpuz said the programs are built on the spirit of Bayanihan designed to result in “tangible peace and development in the community.” (701st IB, Press Release/jmda, piaxi)
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