PAMANA lauds organic farming project in Samar military camp

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 31 (PNA) -- The strategy of the Philippine Army to implement organic farming as an anti-insurgency strategy in the province of Samar has been lauded by an official of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), a flagship project of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

PAMANA Samar area manager Imelda Calagos lauded the initiative of Army’s 52nd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander Col. Nedy Espulgar, noting that it is “highly recommended to replicate the project in other areas."

The battalion is based in Caticugan village in Sta. Rita, Samar. The army launched its organic farming activity in August 2015.

"Camps were transformed into friendly recreation camps that can be good venues for educational tours and food sufficiency showcase," Calagos said.

She added that this will greatly help the soldiers’ families living in camps and nearby communities to raise their income.

This also shows that army camps can be turned into a skills training area which will open opportunities for civilians and government troops for a more productive engagement, according to Calagos.

The PAMANA official added that they are now looking for possible funding partner in developing a model farm that would be replicated in other military detachments.

The project promotes “people-centered” integrated organic farming that aims to help uplift the social and economic well-being of soldiers, militiamen, and their dependents.

The official launching of the project is tentatively set on the second week of February.

Espulgar is the former commander of 19th Infantry Battalion based in Kananga, Leyte where he pushed for a unique approach to peace and development through sustainable agriculture.

Farmers’organizations, youth and women sectors in upland villages in Leyte province were clustered to become organic food producers and farmers.

As a result, the battalion established closer ties with the community which has become a top site for educational tours and agri-tourism.

He also made a significant role in the integration of former rebels into the mainstream society through extensive in-house trainings and seminars on farming.

Known as Peace Advocacy for Collaboration and Empowerment, the project has provided livelihood opportunities and extra income for the growing number of former rebels.

The project involves the production of high-value crops (fruits and ornamental plants) such as eggplant, lettuce, potato, upland spinach, bitter gourd, bell pepper, herbal plants, and different varieties of ornamental plants.

The project also expands to livestock raising, poultry production, and aquaculture farming. (PNA)

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