KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) –The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) plan to transform the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) former camps in Central Mindanao into thriving communities.
The “Empowering Former Combatants and Families in Six Acknowledged MILF Camps in Mindanao through Science and Technology (S&T)” project was signed between the DOST and OPAPRU in late 2024.
Engr. Sammy Malawan, DOST regional director, said the project will be realized through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.
“Through CEST program-aligned partnership, former hotspots will receive significant science and technology interventions to help them return to the path of peace and development alongside the government,” Malawan stated.
Under the program, MILF members and their families will be equipped with tools for self-sufficiency and economic stability.
The DOST together with the OPAPRU and the Joint Task Force for Camp Transformation of the MILF has recently conducted a series of technology needs assessments (TNA) for the MILF camps.
These camps include Camp Bader in Datalpandan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur; Camp Abubakar in Barangay Sapad, Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte; Camp Omar in Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur; Camp Rajamuda in Daladagan, Mangudadatu, Maguindanao del Sur; Camp Bushra in Sandap, Butig, Lanao del Sur; and Camp Bilal in Biruar, Tangcal, Lanao del Norte.
The TNA identified the community’s needs based on the area’s topographic, agricultural, and human resource potential.
The TNA identified Camp Bader with potential for agroforestry, agri-aqua ventures, and sustainable livelihood programs.
The team said that the camp’s natural resources would be best for food production, climate-resilient agriculture, and technology-driven livelihood, using DOST’s best practices for implementing the CEST and its knowledge of empowering collaborative efforts.
For Camp Abubakar, which has a large farmland for coconut and abaca, there is potential for agroforestry development, and with DOST’s commitment to STEM education, digital literacy, and technical skills training, it will be conducted for the beneficiaries.
With Camp Omar, the beneficiaries will gain access to science and technology-based interventions to enhance the quality and value of the area’s agricultural products.
This includes technologies that add value to crops by processing them to make them last longer, taste better, and be easier to sell; technologies that use science and technology to improve aquaculture by creating smart and sustainable ways to farm fish to create more job opportunities; and technologies that help grow vegetables.
Camp Rajamuda, a strategic area located near Lake Buluan, is considered a prime location for aquaculture and food processing.
The DOST-OPAPRU partnership, which looks at the area’s natural resources and economic potential, is ready to help the camp make a living and offer new ideas for aquaculture and farming.
Given Camp Bushra’s abundant water sources and fertile land, it has the potential to become a thriving aquaculture hub and an agriculture powerhouse. Therefore, it is recommended to adopt upgraded hito (catfish) farming and research and development (R&D)-based agri-farming methods.
The team also identified Camp Bilal as a promising area for agroforestry and integrated farming, requiring sustainable livelihood programs, technological interventions, and capacity-building initiatives.
In addition to these interventions, STARBOOKS and other DOST-developed learning modalities will provide educational support to all MILF camps.
The DOST in the region also makes sure to implement continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure the long-term success of all the initiatives.
“DOST 12 will work closely with local government units, academic institutions, and non-government organizations to refine and enhance the interventions based on emerging needs,” Malawan emphasized.
According to the DOST, they will also maximize the use of digital technology and innovation to provide the community with access to broader markets and economic opportunities. (With reports from DOST Region 12)
