30/05/2026
Thank you for appreciating the peace and development efforts of the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade.
The Peacepond Project transforms abandoned fishponds in Zamboanga Sibugay into productive aquaculture areas, creating livelihoods, enhancing food security, and generating economic opportunities for conflict-affected communities. To maximize its potential, there is a need to expand farm-to-market roads and electrification leading to these areas, enabling semi-intensive aquaculture, attracting investments, and opening more opportunities for local communities.
Likewise, the Abaca for Peace Project in the MNLF community of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte continues to gain momentum. To date, the 102nd Infantry Brigade, together with its partners, has facilitated the planting of more than 20,000 abaca seedlings, with a target of reaching 50,000 seedlings this year. Beyond providing a sustainable source of livelihood, the project strengthens community participation, promotes economic resilience, and helps preserve the hard-earned peace in former conflict-affected areas. Each seedling planted symbolizes hope, opportunity, and a shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future.
These initiatives demonstrate that lasting peace is sustained not only through security efforts but also through meaningful development that improves the lives of our communities.
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IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay --- Livelihood development and community empowerment remain among the priorities of the 102nd Infantry βIGSOONβ Brigade under the leadership of Brigadier General Samuel G Yunque, who shared several peace-building initiatives during an informal discussion with media practitioners from Zamboanga del Norte who had arrived early for the 1st IGSOON Media Engagement Forum on May 29 in Barangay Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
For nearly eight months, BGen. Yunque has led programs designed at sustaining peace by providing former rebels and vulnerable communities with stable sources of income.
Among these is the βPEACE POND PROJECTβ, a partnership between the 102nd Infantry Brigade and the Zampen Shrimpers Aquaculture Fishermen Cooperative (ZAMPENSAFCO) in Barangay La Libertad, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay. The initiative seeks to revitalize abandoned fishponds and transform them into productive aquaculture sites that generate livelihood opportunities and strengthen food security.
According to BGen. Yunque, the initiative has already demonstrated promising results, with some harvests reaching approximately eight metric tons. He noted that market demand remains high, particularly in neighboring Zamboanga del Norte, where supply has yet to meet demand.
The project has also encouraged shrimp farmers to venture into shrimp breeding operations. Previously, local farmers sourced shrimp breeders from Bukidnon, but the availability of local suppliers now offers a more convenient and cost-effective alternative while maintaining comparable prices.
βWith stable livelihood opportunities, we are helping sustain the gains of peace and empowering families to build a better future,β Yunque said.
The brigade has also been implementing an 'ABACA FOR PEACE PROJECT' in Barangay Balongkan, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, in partnership with the 106th Infantry (Tigpanalipod) Battalion and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA). The program provides abaca seedlings, technical assistance, and technology transfer to Bangsamoro and MNLF beneficiaries, local farmers, Friends Rescued (FRs), and CAFGU members.
Yunque said these livelihood interventions have discouraged former rebels from returning to armed groups by providing them with sustainable sources of income and opportunities to live peacefully with their families.
He also called for continued cooperation among stakeholders, local government units, and partner agencies to further expand the initiatives, improve beneficiariesβ socio-economic conditions, and enhance food security across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The programs demonstrate the militaryβs commitment to complementing security operations with development initiatives that promote inclusive growth, lasting peace, and community resilience. -30-
