In Mindanao, agri groups heave sigh of peace

MANILA, Philippines—Agriculture industry groups on Thursday heaved a collective sigh of relief during the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), hoping that the pact would open up more “productive opportunities” in Mindanao.

The Department of Agriculture has already prepared a package of livelihood and infrastructure projects for Mindanao worth an initial P212.9 million in support of peace efforts.

“Any agreement to foster peace is good in terms of enhancing the living conditions of the Bangsamoro people and the hope of an uninterrupted localized food production for local communities ravaged by decades of war,” said Rosendo So, chair of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, or Sinag.

So said in an interview that those who bore the brunt of the conflict between the MILF and the Philippine government were farmers and the children of farmers who were forced to wage war instead of producing food.

“We hope that the peace agreement is but a means to unleash Mindanao’s potential as the country’s food production hub,” he said.

“Member industries and federation of Sinag would be glad to explore the many sustainable and community-based agri-development opportunities in the Bangsamoro region,” he added.

Sinag groups more than 30 associations of traders and farmers who grow rice, corn and vegetables, as well as those who are in the business of poultry, swine and other livestock. Also, aquaventure groups as well as fertilizer and pesticide suppliers are counted as members.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said he would present to President Aquino the department’s proposed initial interventions, including livelihood and infrastructure projects, such as farm-to-market roads and small-scale irrigation.

These are part of the so-called Sajahatra Bangsamoro program, which is Malacanang’s socioeconomic initiative aimed at improving the health, education, and livelihood conditions of MILF communities.

“We have programs meant for fishers as well as farmers,” Alcala said. “As they lay down their arms, they need support in bringing their livelihoods into order.”

The initial package covers the four regions of Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao and Soccsksargen. In particular, the program benefits the 10 provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, South Cotabato, Maguindanao, Davao Oriental and North Cotabato.