Pan Asenso: From Conflict to Crust — A Strategic Reintegration Narrative

COURTESY: JMOR/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental

From Armed Struggle to Artisan Enterprise

Former rebels in Misamis Occidental illustrate how purposeful initiatives can convert conflict into constructive enterprise. Consequently, the Pan Asenso bread-making venture demonstrates that targeted skills training and modest seed funding can catalyze sustainable livelihoods. Moreover, ex-combatants who once bore arms now apply discipline and teamwork to baking operations, thereby generating meaningful income and restoring social dignity.

Furthermore, this transformation underscores that economic opportunity complements formal peacebuilding efforts. For example, small entrepreneurs associated with Pan Asenso reportedly earn up to P7,000 daily from bread sales, which tangibly improves household welfare. Therefore, reintegration benefits appear both individual and communal, supporting long-term stability and social cohesion.

Institutional Support and Community Impact

Government agencies and local authorities have actively supported this initiative, thus reinforcing the program’s legitimacy and scalability. In addition to Department of Trade and Industry training, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office committed equipment support, while TESDA and DOLE provide skills development and capacity-building assistance. Accordingly, the coordinated response has strengthened the enterprise’s operational foundation and market reach.

Consequently, Pan Asenso functions not merely as an economic project, but as a symbol of empowerment, strength, and dignity. Brigadier General Felix Ronnie B. Babac and regional information officials highlighted how the program aligns with the broader vision of national transformation. In this way, reintegration into mainstream society advances through both practical assistance and purposeful narrative framing.

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental —Former rebels (FRs) who have recently surrendered in Misamis Occidental are rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society through the ‘Pan Asenso’ bread-making enterprise.

Ex-combatants have transformed into small entrepreneurs, earning up to P7,000 daily from bread sales.

“Nagsimula lang ito sa meryenda. And suddenly nag-evolve na what if ibenta. We started that last Apr. 2. I challenged them na, here is P5,000. What will you do with your skills?” said Lt. Col. Nelson Boticario, commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

The former rebels received training from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as bakers.

“We provided them a small amount just for them to start. They produced a minimal amount, dati yung tawag ay ‘pan de bisaya’ until such time na nakaka-generate na sila ng income, and we helped them to advertise, showcase the bread hanggang sa makarating sa provincial government ng Misamis Occidental sa LGU,” Boticario said.

With support from the provincial government, the enterprise is now being rebranded as Asenso Panaderya or Pan Asenso, to represent the stories of former rebels who have shifted to livelihood activities.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Asenso Panaderya on Sept. 29 marked a milestone in government support for livelihood programs for former rebels.

Governor Henry S. Oaminal said the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office will provide equipment support worth P900,000.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and DTI will assist with skills training and capacity building.

“Asenso Panaderya is a good program and part of the Asenso Vision, that is why gawin natin ang pangalan ng bread natin as Pan Asenso, that is a symbol that with this kind of project, former rebels will turn back to the fold of the law, ay may pag-asa,” the governor said.

Brigadier General Felix Ronnie B. Babac, assistant division commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, said the Asenso Panaderya is a community-based initiative that extends beyond providing bread for former rebels.

“Kini nag-presentar sa paghatag og gahum, kalig-on og dignidad” (It represents empowerment, strength, and dignity), he said.

Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Franklin P. Gumapon said Asenso Panaderya fits the programs of the president, “Bagong Pilipinas,” because Bagong Pilipinas is a transformation.

“If we work for unity and progress, we should have to be transformed into somebody else. This program will transform the lives of our friends rescued for them to improve their living and to live in mainstream society,” Gumapon said.

For former rebels, the groundbreaking ceremony also represents building a foundation for peace.

“Ang mga susama kanato nga mi-agi og kasakit, ug kalisdanan magpadayon na sa malinawon ug produktibong panginabuhi,” (Those like us who have gone through pain and hardship will continue to live a peaceful and productive life),” said Rodel Gernal Gulmatico, former rebel and president of Amihanang Mindanao Kauban sa Kalinaw Association.

In summary, Pan Asenso exemplifies a pragmatic and humane approach to reintegration. Consequently, policymakers and practitioners should consider similar economically grounded, dignity-affirming models elsewhere, since they deliver tangible benefits and foster a durable peace.

Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Inauguration of State-of-the-Art Rice Processing Facilities in Misamis Occidental

COURTESY: ASENSO MISSOCC

In an extraordinary advancement for the agricultural landscape, Misamis Occidental has taken a significant leap forward with the inauguration of its first state-of-the-art Rice Processing System. This initiative, part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program, aims to bolster local farmers' income while simultaneously reducing their production costs. The facilities are strategically located in Barangay Santa Cruz, Tangub City, and Barangay Buenavista, Oroquieta City, making them accessible to a vast number of farmers in the province. 

A Historic Milestone for Local Farmers

The opening of these modern facilities signifies a historic milestone for Misamis Occidental's agricultural sector. The Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Henry S. Oaminal, has demonstrated its commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers. By offering free rice milling and drying services, the government effectively reduces production costs, allowing farmers to retain more of their earnings. This initiative not only provides immediate financial relief but also encourages sustainable agricultural practices.

The collaboration between the Provincial Government, the Department of Agriculture, and PHILMECH has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Governor Oaminal emphasized the importance of this partnership during the inauguration ceremony, stating, "This is a product of strong collaboration between national and local governments." This sentiment underscores the collective effort required to implement such a transformative project. Furthermore, the government’s financial commitment, which includes donating land and covering the construction costs of ₱39.4 million for each facility, highlights its dedication to fostering agricultural development.

Cutting-Edge Technology to Enhance Efficiency

Equipped with advanced technology, each facility boasts a multi-stage rice mill with a capacity of 1.5 tons per hour, complemented by two recirculating mechanical dryers that can process 6 tons per batch. This sophisticated setup is designed to enhance post-harvest efficiency, effectively minimizing losses while maximizing output. The reduced operational costs associated with these facilities are expected to have a profound impact on the income of local farmers, ultimately leading to improved rice quality and greater competitiveness in the market.

Governor Oaminal articulated the broader economic implications of the project, stating, “When production increases, so does the Gross Domestic Product. Lower production costs and higher output mean higher income for our farmers.” This statement encapsulates the potential ripple effect of this initiative, which extends far beyond the agricultural sector. As farmers experience increased profitability, the overall economic landscape of Misamis Occidental may also witness substantial growth.

Moreover, this project aligns with the Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance Program, which aims to boost rice productivity and profitability. By facilitating access to cutting-edge processing technology, the government empowers farmers to improve their yield and product quality. This empowerment is crucial, especially given the historical challenges that farmers have faced regarding inadequate drying facilities and high milling expenses.

A Vision for Sustainable Development

The inauguration of these rice processing facilities marks a significant step towards realizing the vision of a "Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon" (Peaceful, Progressive, and Joyful) community in Misamis Occidental. The initiative stands as a cornerstone of the province’s Asenso Misamis Occidental development agenda, showcasing the commitment of local governance to prioritize the welfare of its constituents. 

As the first government-owned rice processing facilities in the province, they offer free drying and milling services to all rice farmers, a groundbreaking development that promises to enhance the agricultural landscape of Misamis Occidental. This initiative not only strengthens the local economy but also serves as a model of farmer-focused governance and sustainable rural development. 

The establishment of state-of-the-art rice processing facilities in Misamis Occidental represents a significant shift in agricultural practices within the province. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to supporting local farmers, the government is paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future. As these facilities begin to operate and yield results, they will undoubtedly become a beacon of hope and progress for the entire community.