TALAINGOD, Davao del Norte — The 56th Infantry “TATAG” Battalion, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Davao del Norte and the Checkered Farms Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Multipurpose Cooperative (CFARBEMPCO), has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement livelihood projects for people’s organizations (POs), mostly of former rebels (FRs).
“This is more than just assistance—it’s a continuation of our mission to help communities rebuild and thrive,” said Lt. Col. Ali B. Sumangil INF (GSC) PA, battalion commander of the 56th Infantry Battalion (IB) deployed for the entire town of Talaingod which used to be the seat of Southern Mindanao Regional Command of the New People’s Army (NPA).
The signing ceremony, held April 14 at the 56IB Headquarters in Barangay Sto. Niño formalized the collaboration with three PO beneficiaries: Talaingod Ata Manobo Former Rebels Association, Salawao Developmental Workers Association, and the Tatag IP Scholars – Parents Association.
The projects will focus on enhancing community livelihood through the provision of corn shellers and food processing packages to improve productivity and support local economic growth.
The turn-over of the livelihood packages is set in May 2025.
“The ball is now in the hands of the People’s Organizations. How successful you become depends on how well you manage the opportunities given to you,” Sumangil said.
During the MOA signing, DOLE Davao del Norte Provincial Head Erlinda G. Mamitag expressed optimism on sustainable livelihoods citing these as “key to uplifting the lives of communities, particularly those affected by conflict.”
“Through this partnership, we are extending real, long-term opportunities to those who need them most,” Mamitag said.
Meanwhile, CFARBEMPCO Chairperson Eleuteria B. Chacon cited the partnership as a manifestation of the capacity of cooperatives to “bridge communities and drive inclusive development.”
“Together with the Army and DOLE, we are bringing about meaningful change,” she said. (JMDA with reports and photos from 56th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)
