The University of Baguio’s School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) extended its support to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB15) in their efforts to develop the “Badang” Kabuhayan Farm, a central livestock breeding facility located in Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet. The project, implemented by RMFB15’s Special Operations Team on White Area (SOTWA), aimed to create a sustainable livelihood program for drug surrenderees and rebel returnees as part of the broader “Badang” Kabuhayan initiative.
The “Badang” Kabuhayan Farm was a breeding center for pigs and goats and was distributed to other regional project sites. The goal was to provide beneficiaries with the means to start their small-scale farming operations, fostering economic self-sufficiency and community reintegration. The University of Baguio’s involvement underscored the critical role of academic institutions in supporting social rehabilitation and public safety initiatives, while also achieving the UN’s goals such as SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goal.
The University of Baguio SCJPS played a key role in supporting the project by offering logistical and technical assistance and participating in community outreach programs aimed at educating and empowering the project’s beneficiaries. The partnership demonstrated the University’s commitment to promoting social justice and community welfare.
A formal turnover of the University’s support occurred at the University of Baguio campus, marking the beginning of a close collaboration between academia and law enforcement agencies. By combining resources and expertise, the University of Baguio and RMFB15 aimed to create meaningful, sustainable opportunities for those seeking a second chance at life.
The “Badang” Kabuhayan Project was initially conceived as a livelihood program to assist drug surrenderees and rebel returnees, offering them an opportunity to reintegrate into society through sustainable agricultural practices. However, external factors challenged the project’s early stages. The 2021 Habagat (monsoon rains) severely affected farming activities, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused further disruptions, delaying the implementation of various project components.
The collaboration between the University of Baguio SCJPS and RMFB15’s SOTWA on the “Badang” Kabuhayan Farm highlighted the importance of partnerships between academic institutions and law enforcement agencies in addressing pressing societal issues. By working together, the two organizations provided marginalized individuals the tools and resources to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
By establishing the central livestock farm in Ambassador Tublay, the project offered a sustainable, long-term solution to the economic and social challenges faced by drug surrenderees and rebel returnees. This partnership exemplified how education, rehabilitation, and public safety efforts can create a safer, more inclusive society.
