In a move to strengthen community resilience and promote self-sufficiency, the Philippine Army's 104th Infantry Battalion (104IB) has inaugurated a new demonstration farm in the province of Sulu. The initiative, launched last week, aims to equip local residents with practical agricultural skills.
Hands-On Training for Sustainable Farming
The demonstration farming activity was held at the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) community in Kabbon village, Pandami, Sulu. Spearheaded by First Lieutenant Theo John Zapanta, the executive officer of the battalion's Alpha Company, the project was coordinated with community leader Asmaullah Bairulla.
A total of 30 MNLF members and their dependents actively participated in the hands-on training. The session focused on planting vegetables and root crops, introducing participants to basic agricultural techniques tailored to the local soil and climate conditions.
Goals: Food Security and Economic Stability
According to a statement from the 104IB, the core objective of the demonstration farm is dual-purpose. First, it provides practical knowledge and skills to enable families to grow food for their daily consumption. Second, it helps develop potential sources of income, creating a pathway toward economic stability for the community.
The battalion envisions the farm serving as a learning site and model for other residents in Pandami. By encouraging wider participation in agriculture, the project seeks to contribute to long-term community resilience, food sustainability, and economic growth.
A Commitment to Peace Through Development
This project underscores the 104IB's broader strategy of peace-building through development. Instead of purely military engagement, the battalion is empowering communities by fostering self-reliant and productive livelihood programs. This approach aims to address root causes of instability by providing sustainable opportunities and strengthening food security from the ground up.
The establishment of the demonstration farm in Sulu marks a tangible step in integrating community development into the armed forces' mission, highlighting a collaborative effort toward lasting peace and prosperity.
