Farms for Peace Brings Hope to Basilan

BASILAN, Philippines — A new chapter of hope, healing, and opportunity began on June 17 as the 1,000-square-meter Farms for Peace project led by Project Chairman JR Baligod was officially turned over to its beneficiaries, reaffirming that lasting peace is built not only through dialogue, but through dignity, livelihood, and shared purpose.

An initiative under JCI Manila’s Special Projects and Government Affairs, the project provides a sustainable broiler farming livelihood for former Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered to the Philippine government. By equipping former combatants with legitimate means of earning a living, Farms for Peace supports their reintegration into society while helping prevent a return to conflict.

The project also marked a historic milestone for the organization. JCI Manila became the first JCI Local Organization and the first civic organization to implement a development project in this area, bringing livelihood, partnership, and hope to a community once known as a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group. The initiative demonstrates that meaningful leadership begins by reaching communities where transformation is needed most.

The turnover ceremony was attended by distinguished leaders from both government and JCI, including JCI Manila President Edison Ke, Vice President Francis Deo, Director Rocky Cebrero, Director James Sia, Provincial Governor Mujiv Hataman, Sumisip Mayor Jul Hataman, Lamitan City Vice Mayor and 2017 JCI Philippines President Hegem Furigay, Battalion Commander LTC Gerwin Maghuyop, together with JCI leaders, uniformed personnel, and representatives from various local government agencies.

The project comes at a significant time in Basilan’s history. Following the province’s declaration as free from the influence of the Abu Sayyaf Group, the focus has shifted from conflict to rebuilding communities through sustainable development and economic opportunities. Farms for Peace contributes to this new chapter by helping former combatants successfully reintegrate into society through meaningful livelihood.

More than the inauguration of a livelihood facility, the event celebrated the power of collaboration. Government leaders, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and JCI Manila came together with a common belief that lasting peace is achieved when people are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.

The broiler farm stands as a powerful symbol of second chances. For the former Abu Sayyaf members who chose the path of peace, it represents an opportunity to provide for their families through honest work, restore their place in society, and become active contributors to their communities instead of participants in conflict.

For JCI Manila, the project reflects a commitment to creating positive change where it is needed most. By investing in sustainable livelihood, the organization demonstrates that leadership extends beyond projects and ceremonies. It means building bridges where divisions once existed, restoring trust where fear once prevailed, and empowering communities to move forward together.

Farms for Peace is more than a livelihood project. It is proof that peace is not merely the end of conflict, but the beginning of opportunity. Through compassion, collaboration, and shared responsibility, lives are transformed, communities are strengthened, and a future once defined by violence is rewritten through hope.