FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — About 150 farmers attended a one-day mushroom production seminar conducted by the 69th Infantry Battalion (69IB) and Municipal Agriculture Office in barangay San Antonio, Cuyapo town.
Participants were members of three farmer groups namely United Farmers Association, Samahang Manggagawang Bukid ng San Antonio and Cuyapo Farmers League.
“The seminar was an immediate response to the prevailing issues identified during the Needs Assessment Survey conducted by 69IB in the area which include lack of livelihood due to farm mechanization which resulted to the loss of jobs among farmers who used to be hired for variety of farm works. This has become an issue exploited by organizations affiliated to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA),” 69IB Commanding OfficerLieutenant Colonel Arcadio S. Posada said.
With the conduct of the seminar, farmers now have the knowledge and skill on mushroom production which they can use to start their own livelihood and have additional means to support their needs.
“As facilitators of peace and development, it is a must to deliver the services of the government to those in need. The efforts of our Community Support Program team in barangay San Antonio, Cuyapo is a manifestation of the commitment of the Philippine Army to contribute to nation-building. We will continue to support the farmers in our own capacity because we want them to believe that the government cares for them,” Posada furthered.
“As we call for our brothers in the armed struggle to return to the government fold, we are also creating the best avenues for those who have already surrendered to have a source of income and start a new life. In collaboration with the different agencies, we also respond to the needs of our poor farmers so that they will no longer be used by the CPP-NPA to create chaos and confusion in communities. Together with the local government units and other agencies, we will enhance the delivery of basic social services and help uplift their lives. Again, this is the whole-of-nation approach that has all of us working together to bring an end to the local communist armed struggle,” Army 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard T. Agustin said.