IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon (PIA)—Farmers in barangay Kalabugao in Impasugong town, Bukidnon province thanked the government as it brings recently P4.4 million worth of agricultural supplies and farm equipment straight to their farming village.
Steered by the Army’s 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB) of the 403rd “Peacemaker” Brigade (403Bde) and Impasugong local government, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 handed-over two units Floating Tiller-boat type; two units Kubota RT140 corn sheller, 200 bags of OPV white corn seeds; a Solar Power Irrigation System; and 14,000 Tilapia fingerlings to the Kalabugao Farmers.
Similarly, DA 10 handed-over to the three battalions of 403Bde some farm equipment comprising three units of McCormick C110 Max 100 farm tractor with trailing harrow, disc plow, and trailer worth P7.7 million.
The 8IB, which is one of the recipients, turned over the said farm tractor to Impasugong local government unit (LGU).
Jerry Sad-o, one of the recipients, who is a member of Movement and Alliance that Advocate Men in Action (MAAMA) and a graduate of DA’s Farm Field School appreciated the government’s overwhelming support.
“Mapasalamaton ko sa atong lokal nga pangagamhanan sa Impasugong, sa Department of Agriculture sa rehiyon diyes, ug sa mga kasundalohan nga naghatag sa amo og mga semilya ug ekwipo nga kinahanglan gyud namo isip mag-uuma. Uban sa mga kauban nako sa MAAMA, dako ang among pasalamat sa atong gobyerno sa ilang interbensyon nga makatabang sa pagpa-uswag sa among panginabuhi. (I am very happy that the local government unit of Impasugong, DA-10, and the Philippine Army gave us seeds and farm equipment units, which we really need as a farmer. On behalf of the MAAMA organization, we are grateful to the government for the interventions made which will help us as we strive to alleviate our living conditions),” Sad-o said.
Lt. Col. Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, 8IB commander, who acknowledged the recipients’ gratefulness, said “Tungod sa paghi-usa sa mga nagkalain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno, kami nakahatag og serbisyo sa mga katawhan sa layo kaayo nga mga lugar. Kini nga yunit ug uban pa’ng kauban nato sa kalinaw ug kalambuan magpadayon ug kanunay nga andam maghatag og interbensyon sa mga nanginahanglan. (With the collaboration of different agencies, we are able to deliver services to the constituents in far-flung areas. This unit, together with its peace and development partners, will continue and is always ready to provide interventions to those who need it most).
Likewise, Col. Ferdinand T. Barandon, 403Bde Commander encouraged the farmers to participate in the government’s efforts in ending the local armed conflict by confirming commitment and cooperation in every project and program that aims to alleviate poverty.
“Kami gapasalamat bisan sa kalayo sa dalan paingon sa Barangay Kalabugao, ang kagamhanan sa Impasugong ug ang DA-10 nianhi para tubagon ang mga isyu nga gihisgutan sa kasundaluhan nga gigamit sa teroristang New People’s Army (NPA) sa pag-‘recruit’ sa mga mag-uuma. Kining mga proyekto makatabang sa mga mag-uuma diha sa pagpadaghan sa ilang tanom ug aron mo-taas pa ang estado sa ilang panginabuhi. Kami gapasalig kaninyo kauban ang mga nagkalain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno nga ang mga proyekto ug programa makaabot bisan sa mga tagong lugar. (We are thankful that despite the long-distance travel to Barangay Kalabugao, the LGU of Impasugong and DA-10 heeded the issues raised by the Philippine Army that the Communists New People’s Army Terrorists (CNT’s) used to recruit our farmers. These projects help the farmers to focus on producing more crops and further lift their living standards. We assure you that together with other government agencies, projects and programs will reach even in remote areas),” Col. Barandon said. (CMO, 403Bde, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)
