SWEET PEACE : Cocosugar Plant Inauguration

Former MNLF combatants turned entrepreneurs

The Mindanawan Coco Sugar Corporation and its product, coco sugar branded as “Sweet Peace”, were launched on July 21, 2010 at Brgy. Palian, Tupi, South Cotabato. The officers and members of the corporation were former combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front turned to be an entrepreneur. On the date of launching, almost half a ton of coco sugar were produced. The plant targeted to produced 10 tons/month.

On his speech, Mr. Johhny Akbar - President of Mindanawan Cocosugar Corporation, felt the true partnership with KKC and other sectors during the establishment and operation of plant.

Fr. Joy opened and ecumenical prayers together with Pastor Jonas Bungan and Hadji Monel Gubel. Dasoy shared KKC's partnership experience:

"Good afternoon.

KapayapaanKapatid Council met some of the peace advocates here not in the coalition – it was during the emergency reliefs for the bakwits, peace forums, and inter-religious dialogues in SOCSARGEN area.

The passion to help the coalition was raised by Father Angel during the Area-Wide Inter-Province Stakeholders Mid-Year Assessment (South Central Mindanao) on June 29 – July 1, 2009 at Dolores Farm Resort, Polomolok, South Cotabato. That time I remembered Mr. Johnny (now the President of the Mindanaon Coco Sugar Corporation) saying – “We are partner on this program… not only partner but implementor. Isang challenge na pinagkatiwalaan tayo – inaamin naming na sa technical may kakulangan kami …”. That call was heeded by KKC.

Fr. Angel sends his message to us.

The Angel says: “… never loss of the vision to make SCM PDAL empowered organization, take our partnership seriously, and sacrifice personal interest for the common good…”

If we have the Angel previously (now he is on sabbatical leave), we have now JOY. Fr, Joy Pelino will continue the works of KKC in building bridges of peace.

It is the Joy of Fr. Joy to revisit our values – It is the desire of God or Allah for us to be united.

This UNITY is now spelled out “SWEET PEACE” (the brand of our coco sugar). The plant now has almost ½ ton of coco-sugar.

This UNITY is also spelled out “PERSEVERANCE”. Perseverance in confronting challenges and learned from it.

This UNITY is also spelled out “CONVERGENCE”. Various sector is helping the group through technical assistance… and even in just small thing of helping the group through cleaning up the surrounding of the plant from rotten papaya and mowing the grass (by Tri-youth Volunteers, 72^nd IB and Tupi PNP).

I read the book of Scott Peck “Road less travelled”… the first line of the book says “Life is difficult” and so is putting a company and engage in a corporate culture…. this is a challenge to us to persevere as we take hold of our vision…. and operating in a new paradigms.

Congratulations to us…. congratulations to our new product branded as “SWEET PEACE” … congratulations to Mindanawan Coco Sugar Corporation."

73rd IB commended the partnership in the community outreach programs

73rd Infantry Battallion recognizes the contribution of KKC to the battalion in community outreach program of the Philippine Army on its 22nd founding anniversary on July 16. The plaque of recognition was given by Col. Edgardo de Leon, Commander - 73rd IB, and MGen Carlos Holganza, Commander - 101D Philippine Army. The plaque says:

"Plaque of Recognition is presented to Kapayapaan Kapatid Council In grateful recognition of invaluable support to 73rd IB as partners in our Community Outreach Programs particularly in making every soldier more acceptable and respectable to the people in our area operations and responsibility."

Tri-youth volunteers, Nova, Nilong, and Maricar also attended the awarding.

Bayanihan for Coco Sugar Plant Clean Up

The SOCSARGEN Peace Network responded to the call for help of the South Central Mindanao Peace and Development Advocates League Coalition to help clean the surrounding of Coco Sugar plant in Palian, Koronadal City.

A bayanihan activity was conducted on July 13 by the Tri-Youth Volunteers, 72nd Infantry Batallation Philippine Army, PNP Tupi and SCMPDAL. The volunteers cleared the rotten papaya plants, trimmed grasses, and dig a 5-feet high compose pit.



Bayanihan: Clean Up Coco-Sugar Plant

By: Ma. Nova Masoco

“Citizen Participation is a device whereby public officials induce nonpublic individuals to act in a way the officials desire…” by Daniel P. Moynihan simply define on what had happen during the “bayanihan” activity in preparation for the launching ceremony of the South Central Mindanao – Provincial Peace and Development Advocates League, Incorporated (SCM-PPDAL, Inc.) Coco Sugar Plant. The activity was participated by the volunteers coming from Philippine National Police Region XII headed by Psupt. Benito Seron Jr., Philippine Army 27^th Infantry Batallion headed by CPL Haron Sariul and PFC Argie A. Gempeso, Kapayapaan Kapatid Council – Tri-youth Volunteers, and the SCM-PPDAL officials last July 13, 2010 at Brgy. Palian, Tupi, South Cotabato.

The activity started around 9:00 a.m. of which briefing was given to the volunteers that includes the beautification of the plant site. Everyone was ready to clean the area by bringing their own cleaning materials such as “lagaraw”, “pala”, lawn mower, “bolo”, rake, ”piko”, and broom sticks. Under the heat of the sun all volunteers were dedicated to clean the area, remove tall grasses, plastic garbage, dig hole for garbage trash and others.

It was a good experience for our public officials such as the Philippine Philippine Army 27^th Infantry Batallion to join on the “Bayanihan” activity. According to PFC Gempeso, “this kind of activity helps our group to become more open with the community… we love what we are doing and we are happy because we can help in the beautification of the building…” His testimony shows how dedicated their group in terms of public service for better public relations.

“We will always be available if you will request us to help especially on community works…” these are few words coming from Psupt. Seron before leaving the area. His statement simply talks about future partnership with other groups into the different upcoming activities.

A simple lunch and snacks was prepared for the volunteers where everyone enjoyed. New partnership with the PNP, 27^th I.B., KKC Tri-youth volunteers, and SCM-PPDAL also created a good camaraderie among themselves. In this activity presence and participation, patience, and love of work were the values molded in the heart and mind of the volunteers. Also, uniting different people of different organizations can be achieved for the betterment of the community.

Bayanihan Volunteers:

TRI-YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

72ND INFANTRY BATALLION

PNP - TUPI