Army helps re-build livelihoods in Samar far-flung areas

By JAZMIN BONIFACIO
September 29, 2014

BARANGAY CALAPI, Motiong, Samar – Ten months after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, farmers in Motiong, Paranas and San Jose De Buan, Samar are still struggling to survive. They have to travel nearly 35 km, over poor roads, to sell their agricultural products in extremely rough conditions. Making things worst, middlemen continue to exploit the farmers’ misfortune.

Aware on such situation, the 87th Infantry Battalion (87IB) planned to help the farmers establish a productive and friendly agri market closer to home. Not only would the farmers save on travel costs, they would also avoid paying middlemen, as buyers come directly to them. This will help increase their profits by nearly 50%.

Rosita Gabin of Brgy. Hinicaan, Motiong, Samar and hundreds of farmers from nearby villages has re-established again their farmlands amidst the hardship of poverty. With the expected earnings coming from their small vegetable gardens they would be able to send their children to school and imagine a better future for them. “We are praying that peace and abundance will stay here forever,” Gabin said.

Rosita Gabin is one of more than hundreds of farmers in Samar who are rebuilding their livelihoods through the Cadac-an Peanut Growers Association. The 87IB is helping these small farmers to improve their incomes and recover from the destruction of typhoon Yolanda.

Conflict and poverty are inextricably linked. As Lt. Col. Antonio Dulnuan, Battalion Commander of the 87IB said “conflict is one of the traps that keeps under develop countries remains poor”. It’s a vicious cycle-conflict reduces incomes, whole poverty heightens the risk of internal instability. On the other hand, economic growth reduces the risk of conflict.

According to Col. Dulnuan “giving people the opportunity to earn a living is one of the best way to guarantee a lasting peace”. In this sense, members of 87IB understand that healthy farming communities are vital to Samar’s success. The Cadac-an Peanut Growers Association reflects 87IB commitment to building long-term, sustainable growth opportunities by stimulating the local market in places that need them most. Indeed, this kind of initiatives helps farmers improve their peanut yields and connect to better markets.

“We want to secure the rights of people living in poverty to food and income security and decent work within the context of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; thus, reducing inequality, and ensuring the sustainable use of land and water.” Col. Dulnuan said.

Further, he stated that “to prioritize helping people manage risk and adapt their livelihoods in the face of such risks must include the campaign to transform the policies, power relations and politics that drive hunger, poverty and vulnerability”.

These guidances push the Cadac-an Peanut Growers Association members to learn proper farming techniques for peanuts; strengthen their internal administration; while influence participation of the local government unit and other organizations. Truly, the members of Cadac-an Peanut Growers Association now see farming as a business, not just a means of subsistence.