MNLF
cooperative in Marawi receive post-harvest facilities
CORMATAN,
MARAWI CITY --- Former combatants of the Moro National Liberation
Front (MNLF) here recently received more than Php1million worth
of post-harvest facilities which included a 64-square meter grains
warehouse, a 480-square meter solar dryer, and a mechanical corn
sheller.
Provided by
the Livelihood Enhancement and Peace (LEAP) Program, the new facilities
were turned-over to the Cormatan Matamapay Farmers Association,
whose 75 members are former combatants of the MNLF and are farming
more than 150 hectares of corn in the area.
"Through LEAP
Program, we have renewed our confidence in the ability of the national
government to address the economic needs of our people especially
in this province," said Amerhamza Manda, MNLF Chairman of the Ranao
Sur State Revolutionary Committee at the ceremonial turn-over.
He added that
the new facilities, coupled with the concreting of the 400-meter
road which was done by their local government will certainly reduce
the cost of the production and increase the value of the agricultural
crops from the barangay.
LEAP Program
is being implemented in collaboration with the Mindanao Economic
Development Council through the government's "Mindanao Natin" Program.
It aims to provide a sustainable means of making a living to former
MNLF combatants through corn and rice production or seaweed farming.
The program
is being financed by the US Agency for International Development
(USAID) and supports the 1996 Peace Agreement between the MNLF and
the Philippine Government.
"These facilities
may look like 'small-scale' infrastructure, but they actually represent
something big and powerful - the cohesive partnership and a commitment
to peace and prosperity," said Robert Barnes, Economic Growth Advisor
of the USAID- Philippines.
He further explained
that while these simple facilities will improve the post-harvest
crop management and contribute to a better life for many families,
they also demonstrate the kind of commitment, not only among the
local producers, but also the US and Philippine Governments which
are both pursuing peace and prosperity in Mindanao.
"These are the
efforts that inspire us to work harder, and these are the kinds
of accomplishments we can all build on to seek for a brighter tomorrow
for the country and for our children," added Barnes.
Since 1997,
the LEAP Program has provided assistance to more than 21,000 former
MNLF combatants, 18,000 of whom have 'graduated' and continued farming
the products introduced by the program. Over 50 percent of these
participants increased their production areas, while a number diversified
their crops to include vegetables and high-value fruits.
Aside from post-harvest
facilities and agricultural inputs, the program also provides technical
support such as skills upgrading and training on farm and post-harvest
facilities management to enhance the participants' productivity.
(LEAP Program | September 2003)
