DA launches farm program in MILF camps

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has distributed P25 million worth of farm equipment, animals and seedlings to farmers in six former camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and government peace panel member Senen Bacani led the turnover of agricultural equipment to around 1,000 farmers in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.

This is an initial confidence-building measure under the Bangsamoro peace process with the end in view of transforming these camps into peaceful and productive communities.

Distributed were six  units of heavy-duty 90HP farm tractor with complete accessories, six units of cassava grater,  three units of hand tractor,  300 pieces of assorted rambutan, lanzones, jackfruit seedlings and another 300 pieces coffee, achuete, and guyabano seedlings.

Also part of the assistance were 1,200 bags of palay seeds and fertilizer and 1,200 bags of OPV corn seeds and fertilizer.

The DA likewise turned over 18 carabaos for distribution to local farmers.

The agency will also distribute boats, fishing equipment, goats, corn shellers and corn mills in the coming months.

Those in the vicinity of former MILF Camp Abubakar as-Siddique, Camp Badre, and Camp Omar ibn al-Khattab in Maguindanao; Camp Rajamuda in North Cotabato and Maguindanao; Camp Bilal in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur; and Camp Busrah Somiorang in Lanao del Sur are expected to benefit from the program.

Alcala said a monitoring team would keep track of the progress of the beneficiaries. He also assured the beneficiaries of the government’s support until the selling of their products.