TROOP under the army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) in Bukidnon said several farmers have been able to benefit the organic farming program it has initiated in partnership with the local farmers of Barangay Sinanlanga, Malaybalay City.

In a statement, the military said the organic farming program dubbed as "Ka-Palay-apaan" aims to aid the local farmers who are facing issues on high cost, low yield rice produce.

The military said this innovative program will also increase the income of the Filipino farmers.

"Rice is the single most important agricultural crop in the Philippines, and is therefore a major source of income for millions of Filipino farmers. It is the staple food of about 80% of Filipinos," the military said.

8IB commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana said through this program the government can help resolve agricultural issue in the community which they claim the New People's Army (NPA) took advantage to gain the support of the masses.

"To protect our environment and at the same time help farmers reap a good harvest, we encourage other farmers to try organic farming," Illana said.