Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, October 27, 2024 — In a significant achievement for local peace and livelihood efforts, the first harvest of sorghum took place in a former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) camp yesterday as part of the “Arms to Farms” Program. This initiative, launched 100 days ago, aims to transform former rebel strongholds into productive agricultural zones, and the successful sorghum harvest in Barangay Benolen, once part of Camp Ibrahim Sema, has become a symbolic victory for sustainable peace and development in the region.
Former Congresswoman Bai Sandra Sema, who has championed livelihood projects in the area, joined local leaders and former MNLF combatants for the ceremonial harvest. Sema, who sought technical assistance for introducing agricultural opportunities, expressed hope that this first harvest would encourage further economic and social reintegration efforts for former rebels and their communities.
The harvest occurred 97 days after planting sorghum and soybeans on the demo farm, which has seen enthusiastic interest from former MNLF members, many of whom attended the event to learn more about crop cultivation. For former combatants, transitioning from armed conflict to agricultural engagement signifies both a personal and communal shift towards stability and self-sufficiency.
Beyond the initial success with sorghum and soybeans, the “Arms to Farms” Program is set to expand with plans for halal beef production, offering further opportunities for sustainable income in line with local cultural practices. Program coordinators and community leaders believe that these efforts will not only strengthen food security but also provide meaningful livelihood paths for former rebels and their families.
As former combatants pivot from arms to agriculture, the program’s leaders anticipate that the cultivation of sorghum, soybeans, and other crops will pave the way for ongoing reconciliation and economic resilience in Maguindanao del Norte, fostering a foundation of peace and prosperity in the community.
