ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Mar 26 (PIA) – In line with its 36th Founding Anniversary on 15 March 2012, the Western Command (WESCOM) launched meaningful livelihood projects last 13th of March 2012.
This is in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and some private sectors. The said activity was presided by LtGen. Juancho M. Sabban AFP, Commander of WESCOM. Anchored with the advocacy for a holistic lifestyle, the event’s main objective is to initiate livelihood within WESCOM’s enlisted personnel to avoid unnecessary waste of their free time.
Over 3,000 cassava stalks had been initially planted at a vacant lot at the back of the WESCOM parade ground near the Western Front Golf Course, WESCOM Complex by all WESCOM officers and enlisted personnel. Based on scientific findings, a cassava can decrease significantly bad cholesterol due to its high total dietary fiber content. Fiber has been associated with lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer and helps also in the control of diabetes.
In addition, an initial 12 pairs of goats and 6 pairs of ducks were donated by the command. These livestock were chosen for it requires low initial investment and small risks compared to other species. Moreover, duck-raising is a lucrative livestock industry in the Philippines because of its eggs. Once these eggs are processed, it will become a “balot” (boiled incubated duck’s egg) and is sold daily throughout the archipelago for its delicious flavor and nutritive value.
During the program, Sabban pointed out that, “Whether it may be the anniversary of WESCOM or not, we will continue to embark on these kinds of projects for we believe that these will uplift the welfare of our command and we will not stop looking at the welfare of our men”.
The livelihood project materialized with the initiative of WESCOM Officers and Enlisted Personnel who would like to have a sustainable and extra income as well as to have an additional financial support to their daily needs.“We believe that one of the root causes of insurgency which we are trying to prevent is poverty. Let us not wait to have a problem caused by poverty. Let us start the initiative and be productive in our own little way”, Sabban added. (6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA-9 ZBST)