MIPAFA Members Build Livestock Skills Ahead of Community Livelihood Project

MAKILALA, Cotabato Province — Sustainable livelihoods begin not with financial assistance, but with the knowledge to make opportunities succeed. For members of the Makilala Integrated Peace Advocates Farmers Association (MIPAFA), that preparation continued through a livestock livelihood orientation conducted by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XII and the Provincial Agricultural Services Office (PASO), through its Provincial Veterinary Office.

The training equipped members with practical knowledge on responsible livestock management, proper animal care, beneficiary responsibilities, and project sustainability as the organization prepares for the rollout of a livestock livelihood project. The initiative forms part of MIPAFA’s broader effort to strengthen the economic resilience of its members through community-based enterprises and sustainable sources of income.

For organizations composed largely of former rebels and peace advocates, livelihood projects represent more than economic assistance. They provide opportunities to rebuild lives, support families, and strengthen long-term reintegration into civilian communities. Peace practitioners have long emphasized that successful reintegration depends not only on financial support but also on equipping beneficiaries with the skills needed to sustain the opportunities they receive.

MIPAFA President Norma Capuyan described the orientation as an important investment in the organization’s future, emphasizing that knowledge is essential to ensuring the long-term success of any livelihood initiative.

“This activity will further strengthen our organization because it empowers our members with the knowledge and confidence they need to manage livelihood opportunities responsibly,” Capuyan said. “We are grateful to our partners for believing in our community and for helping us build a more sustainable future.”

Capuyan also expressed hope that similar livelihood capacity-building initiatives would reach more communities throughout Cotabato Province, particularly organizations composed of former rebels and conflict-affected individuals seeking to establish sustainable livelihoods.

“When more people’s organizations are equipped with knowledge, skills, and livelihood opportunities, more families will have the chance to improve their lives and contribute to stronger and more peaceful communities,” she said.

She likewise encouraged MIPAFA members to apply what they learned, stressing that lasting progress depends on unity, commitment, and continuous learning alongside the effective management of community enterprises.

The association also conveyed its appreciation to the Department of Agriculture Region XII, PASO, and the Provincial Veterinary Office for their continued technical assistance and partnership.

As MIPAFA moves closer to launching its livestock livelihood project, the orientation reflects a broader lesson in community reintegration: sustainable peace is strengthened not only by providing former rebels with livelihood opportunities, but by ensuring they possess the knowledge, discipline, and capacity to transform those opportunities into lasting sources of income and community development.