LBP farming program seen to fully benefit former rebels in Leyte

By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
March 1, 2014

KANANGA, Leyte – Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar, commanding officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion commends the prime movers of LANDBANK Countryside Development Foundation Incorporated and said its program will fully benefit former rebels in Leyte.

This after attending the follow up workshop on “Sustainable Integrated Organic and Natural Mini Farm Program” held at Blanco Farm, So. Marag-ing, Brgy. Lemon, Capoocan, Leyte on Friday, February 28.

Lt. Col. Espulgar was among the 81 participants of the workshop, to include the 15 former rebels which the military had been assisting since they (former rebels) surfaced back to the folds of the law.

The workshop provides opportunities to the participants to learn more on organic farming techniques especially to former rebels who had been accustomed to primitive farming methods.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Gil Carandang, the country’s “Father of Organic Farming” and Land Bank Director Domingo Diaz.

According to Mr. Carandang, organic farming will free, even small farmers from the burden of rising prices of basic commodities.

“Small farmers can even utilize their backyards in this farming method.” Carandang stressed.

On top of these, the military is hopeful that the program will last so as to benefit more, not just the farmers but also the former rebels who had long denounced the bloody armed struggle.