DA, Army Distributed Corn Seeds to IP, Farmers in Bukidnon

MARAMAG, Bukidnon - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 10 in collaboration with 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion, Philippine Army successfully distributed Corn Seeds to the People’s Organization (POs) of IP communities in the hinterland barangays of Quezon, Bukidnon on 19 and 22 September 2020.

The 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion, Philippine Army distributed 90 Bags of White Corn Seeds coming from the department as one of their assistance to POs that were organized by Community Support Teams (CSTs) of 88IB in formerly conflict affected IP communities and areas categorized as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDAs).

The activity of the DA was in support to the development of the agricultural sector and to reduce poverty in pursuit of the country’s peace agenda.

It is one of the programs of the PTF ELCAC under Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster in attaining durable peace and sustainable development.

The Four POs benefited were created by the CST namely Linabo Farmer Association of Barangay Linabo, Gamot Farmers Association of Sitio Gamot, Barangay Sta Felomina, Magsaysay Farmers Association of Brgy Magsaysay, Tribal Indigenous Peoples Progressive Group Association (TINPEPGA) of Brgy Butong formerly known as TINDOGA all from the Municipality of Quezon.

These barangays are part of the (Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDEV) areas in Region 10.

Rodel Manquillo, representative of Linabo Farmers Association said “Nagapasalamat kami sa Department of Agriculture sa Ilahang gi hatag sa amoa nga binhi sa mais ug hilabi na sa 88IB nga mao ang nag nahimung dalan aron makadawat kami ug binhi nga mahimo namong maitanum sa amoang mga umahan. Daghan kaayung salamat dako na kaayu ni nga tabang sa gobyerno ug dugang benipesyo sa amo nga mga mag uuma, makatabang na kaayu ni ug dako sa amoang mga pamilya.”

(We are grateful to the Department of Agriculture for giving us corn seeds and most especially to 88IB who became the bridge for us to be received corn seeds that we can plant in our farms. Once again thank you, this is such a big help to us as farmers and to our families).

LTC Franklin F Fabic, Commanding Officer 88IB, expressed his appreciation to the department.

“We, the DA, and other government line agencies are collaborating and doing our best to deliver the government services in your area. Your 88IB will ensure the safe delivery of basic services, programs and interventions by the different government agencies the your communities for the attainment of durable peace and sustainable development," he said.

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 88th Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Diamond, PA