Twenty-six former rebels who were taught organic and natural farming graduated from a season-long training on vegetable production at Camp Tirambulo, Brgy. McKinley, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
The 62nd Infantry Battalion in partnership with Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (GCTF-ELCAC) and Department of Agriculture trained the former rebels for four months on how to grow vegetables.
They were taught organic and natural farming techniques for growing eggplant, spinach, cucumbers and other high-value crops, as well as composting, pest management, harvest and post-harvest handling.
The training was held to give additional livelihood to former rebels and emphasize the importance of organic farming especially for the health and environment.
Joel Cadiz, City Agriculturist of Guihulngan, said that with the new knowledge the former rebels gained, he hopes that they become successful farmers.
The 62IB , in a statement, said it will continue its partnership and collaboration with other government agencies and non-government organizations in delivering services and programs for continuous development and sustainable livelihood for the former rebels.*