Army backs implementation of livelihood enhancement programs for Calubian, San Isidro farmers groups

By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
April 17, 2013

KANANGA, Leyte – The 802nd Infantry Brigade and 19th Infantry Battalion are now working on the gradual implementation of the livelihood enhancement programs to its eight (8) newly organized farmers and fisher folks associations in Leyte’s Calubian and San Isidro towns.

This was after the successful conduct of the “Training on Cassava and Sweet Potato Production” to three hundred farmers at So. Crossing, Brgy. Taglawigan, San Isidro, Leyte on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

The training which was facilitated by the Philippine Rootcrops Research Center based in Visayas State University (VSU), Baybay City in partnership with the Fatima Multi-purpose Cooperative Incorporated aimed to introduce modern technologies, excellent varieties of crops and techniques to increase production of cassava and sweet potato among farmers.

The training also includes lecture on; “Management and Control of Insect Pests and Diseases on Rootcrops” by Dr. Erlinda A. Vasquez, a VSU Professor and Entomologist, “Cassava Production Technology” by Mr. Dioscorro M. Bolatete, Senior Agriculturist of PhilRootcrops, and “Sweet Potato Production Technology” by Mr. Enrique B. Abogadie, a Senior Production Expert and Germplasm Curator.

Other lecturer was Mr. Nilo Pesquera from the Philippine Crop Insurance Incorporated who stressed the importance of crop insurance to farmers especially during occurrence of natural and man-made calamities.

Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, Commanding Officer of 19IB stressed that the training is just a start on more comprehensive programs and opportunities for subsistence farmers to increase their production and earn extra income for other basic needs.

The military in Leyte under the leadership of Col. Rafael C. Valencia, Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade had been coordinating with the different government agencies in the region, provincial and municipal level to ensure that the farmers’ rights and benefits are protected.

As of now, all eight (8) newly organized farmers and fisher folks associations namely: Taglawigan Farmers Association, Taglawigan Fisher Folks Organization and Catoogan Farmers Association in San Isidro, Leyte; Sorosimbahan Farmers Association, Jubay Farmers Association, Airport Farmers Association and Cabatoan Farmers Association from Calubian, Leyte; and Libertad Farmers Association in Kananga, Leyte were officially registered at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).