KIDAPAWAN CITY—Barangay Ilian in Matalam, North Cotabato, a Peace and Development Community (PDC), conducted a test run of its muscovado processing facility last March 29, 2004. The muscovado plant, the first and only facility of its kind among PDCs, is a significant addition to the accomplishments of this barangay as they rise above socio-economic adversities that include conflict and poverty.

Stakeholders, partners and community residents attended the activity.

Ilian Moro Farmers’ Association (IMFA) as direct beneficiary of the project funded by the Government of the Philippines United Nations Multi-Donor Programme (GOP-UNMDP) and assisted by Mindanao Land Foundation (MinLand), demonstrated bayanihan in the construction of the plant’s building/structure. Wives of IMFA members—the women, were involved as cooks to volunteer laborers.

Looking back, Ilian was a place where people fear to tread—a no man’s land. In his welcome address, Barangay Captain Cutin Idtug said that for six years after the conflict in 1986, it was a deserted place. The MNLF-Sebangan Kutawato State Revolutionary Committee declared Ilian a Peace and Development Community (PDC) in 2000, which was affirmed by the Barangay Council. A year later, MinLand carried out the Mindanao Social Assessment (MSA) Project through its Post-Conflict Unit, a research project aimed to contribute to the peace process. Since then, Ilian gradually moved from a depressed area into a barangay geared toward development.

Amidst the noisy crowd, Mr. Ronillo L. Dusaban, the Relief and Rehabilitation Manager of GOP-UNMDP expressed his views and reflections saying he “hoped that the gap between Christians and Muslims would eventually vanish.” Further, he added that he “was thankful for the partnership they had with the LGU and MinLand.” He stressed that Mindanao is for Mindanaoans and not solely for Maguindanaons or Tirurays or Muslims and posed a challenge for Ilian to be a gateway to reconciliation and peace.

“This place was full of cogon back then, now Ilian’s area of 684 hectares are planted mostly with sugarcane. The then 5 households have now reached 205,” he shared.

The construction of the community-based muscovado processing plant started early January this year. Barely three months after, test run has been conducted.

Men, women and children from the different sitios crowded the place to see how the Muscovado plant was operating. They witnessed the fruit of their hard work, perseverance and sacrifice. Little by little the sweat of hard work and volunteerism were compensated by the sweet taste of the muscovado sugar. (MinLand)