THE municipality of Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte celebrated its victory on December 15 after winning the 2024 Future Policy Award in Geneva, Switzerland, for its Arms to Farms program, a peace-building initiative that reintegrates former combatants through organic agriculture.
Mayor Rommel Arnado said at a press conference that Arms to Farms has been the centerpiece of his governance since 2010, transforming lives in a community once devastated by armed conflict. Beneficiaries include former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“Isa ka dakong pag bangon niini ang kusog nga produksyon sa pagkaon hinungdan sa pagpakgang sa kalisod ug kagutom sa atong munisipyo,” said Arnado.
Kauswagan was one of four winners selected from 47 nominations across 29 countries, alongside initiatives from Canada, New Zealand, and Wales.
The Future Policy Award, based in Switzerland, recognizes innovative solutions addressing challenges for present and future generations.
German peace advocate Bernward Geier, who nominated Kauswagan, praised the town’s achievements during the awards ceremony on Nov. 27.
“When I came to Kauswagan years ago, I saw the team achieve 100% organic farming. This is the dream I hold for the world — using organic agriculture to resolve armed conflict,” Geier said.
Arnado described the award as proof that a small, once-impoverished municipality can achieve international recognition through strong governance and sustainable initiatives.
“We want to show the country that even a small town like Kauswagan can accomplish a lot. This victory highlights our success in peace-building and environmental sustainability,” he said.
The Arms to Farms program also received the 2024 Kapayapaan Award from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, led by Secretary Carlito Galvez.
On Dec. 15, the local government declared Geier an honorary citizen of Kauswagan in recognition of his efforts to bring the town to global attention.
Arnado urged residents to continue supporting the Arms to Farms program, which he credited for Kauswagan’s transformation.
“This is our message to the entire country — that with good governance, even the smallest communities can thrive,” he said.
