CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support to President Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 (EO No. 70) to institutionalize the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over agri-interventions to the 6th Infantry Division – Philippine Army (6ID-PA) at Camp Paulino Santos Military Reservation in Almada, Cotabato.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed about P3.3 million provisions to 6ID-PA Commander Major General Diosdado C. Carreon, AFP on Thursday, August 13, in support to Camp Paulino Santos Military Reservation.

A Memorandum of Understanding forged between DA-RFO 10 and the 6ID, PA aims to promote peace and order through agricultural development and enhancement of agricultural productivity to address poverty reduction and empowerment of communities to end local armed conflict.

Said interventions include one unit four-wheel drive, 100 horsepower farm tractor with implements (disc plow, trailing harrow and trailer) worth P2.495 million funded under the agency’s Normalization Program.

Further, agri equipment and inputs amounting P560,300 comprised of 1 unit corn sheller, 1 unit hammer mill, 1 set pump and engine, 1 module upgraded goat and native swine, 100 packets of 5-in-1 assorted vegetable seeds, 36 packs forage seeds, and 1 bag sorghum seeds at 20 kilograms.

Meanwhile, a Certificate of Commitment worth P183,000 for 3 heads cattle-heifer, 1 module sheep and 1 module chicken to boost their livestock production.

RED Collado believes, agricultural development can significantly contribute to peace by raising income and employment that can possibly reduce social frustrations that triggers violence.

On the other hand, MGen. Carreon expressed his gratitude to DA’s response to the whole-of-nation approach.

“The intervention is vital and timely, especially in this pressing condition of the COVID-19 pandemic, where food and health is the most concern,” he said.

In addition, the department has also given 2 packs at 1 kilo per pack of sweet corn seeds for food production.

6th DREO Major Ralph Vismen D. Macasarte also said, the interventions will urge nearby communities in its 14 reservation camps to venture into farming instead of going against the government.

Camp Paulino Santos Military Reservation will serve as a model farm, which they plan to develop for replication.

Present during the turnover were North Cotabato 1st District Representative Joel Sacdalan; Almada Mayor Jesus N. Sacdalan; 602nd Brig. General Roberto S. Capulong; Chief of Staff Colonel Michael A. Santos MNSA and staff of 6ID and DA-RFO 10.# (EMBentulan)