In a bid to help reduce poverty and create a more prosperous and peaceful environment in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, the Joint Special Operations Task Force–Philippines (JSOTF-P) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) signed an agreement to share information and work together to improve agriculture-related economic opportunities in the region.

JSOTF-P commander Col. William Coultrup and DA Regional Executive Director Carlos Mendoza signed the Administrative Procedural Agreement (APA) for the implementation of the project.

“This agreement formalizes a relationship developed over several months between representatives of the Department of Agriculture and JSOTF-P civil affairs teams,” said Coultrup.

“Both organizations and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are working together to create agriculture-related economic opportunities. By offering profitable livelihoods, we hope to reduce poverty,” he said.

The APA commits the DA and JSOTF-P to share information and support each other’s efforts on humanitarian and civic action projects.

Both organizations work in risk-affected communities and can nominate communities for projects in poor or non-existent agricultural areas.

Eastern Mindanao Command (EasMinCom) chief Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer presided over the ceremony held at Camp Panacan in Davao City.

Ferrer said this agreement is the first of its kind between the JSOTF-P and a Philippine government organization.

Expressing his appreciation for the cooperation of the two agencies, Ferrer said, “The Eastern Mindanao Command is grateful to both JSOTF-P and the Department of Agriculture-Mindanao Cluster. The APA on information sharing is a first for JSOTF-P and a Philippine government agency.”