Php3.8M DOLE livelihood projects support RTF-ELCAC peace drive

The DOLE launched livelihood projects that can provide long term solution to land preparation problems of 214 farmers and help promote lasting peace in four barangays listed under the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in the Municipality of Cuartero, Province of Capiz.

The DOLE-RO No. 6 through its Capiz Field Office recently released a total of P3.8 million in livelihood assistance to four farmers’ cooperatives in Brgys. Puti-an, Mahunodhunod, Caratava and San Antonio.

DOLE-RO No. 6 Regional Director Cyril L. Ticao said the projects are in line with Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes the whole-of-the-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace and to end local communist armed conflict, in this case, in the Municipality of Cuartero.

The Uswag Puti-an Farmers Association, Mauswagon Mahunodhunod Association, and the Sulong sa Kauswagan Carataya Farmers Association received P1 million pesos each for the custom plowing and tractor services project.

Kasanag San Antonio Farmers Association, on the other hand, was granted P800,000 for the flat bed drying facility.

“The provision of the tractor will reduce the post-harvest loses by 5% and will provide solution to the problem of limited manpower doing manual activities during land preparation,” said DOLE-Capiz Field Office Head Wilfredo A. Santizo.

RD Ticao is confident that the projects will help in poverty alleviation in the conflict-affected areas. “The project will help the marginalized farmers find sustainable means of socio-economic activities by involving them in the work force of the custom plowing and tractor services project.”

The livelihood projects are part of the governments’ initiative of letting the members of the marginalized sector feel the government’s efforts in pushing for progress through peaceful and lawful means and convincing communist rebels to return to the fold of the government.