From left: Christine Bermas, Mayor Rommel Arnado, Giselle Sanchez, Tourism Regional Director Mae Salvaña -Unchuan, and 2021 Miss Universe Philippines pre-pageant host Nico Loco (Nico Fowler)

KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte - Viva artists Nico Loco, Christine Bermas, Star Magic artist Joseph Marco and yours truly are now called the “Bravey Bunch”. Why?

Because we have agreed to accept a show in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte where it is common knowledge that rebels have dominated the area. What rebels? First and foremost, it was the year 2000 during the administration of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada when there was an all-out war against the rebels. This was 23 years ago. Kauswagan is now well-developed and beautiful. They even have their own amusement park situated in a 450 linear meter - seaside boardwalk every town would be jealous of.

With Christine Bermas (left) and Joseph Marco

Thanks to Mayor Rommel Arnado, once a war-torn fifth-class municipality is now applying to be a first-class municipality earning an income revenue of a city.  Residents from neighboring towns and cities, including Iligan and Cagayan de Oro City are now flocking to Kauswagan to join the 10-day celebration that includes the much anticipated fluvial parade named Hugyaw sa Kadagatan Festival. Us artists came to participate in the beauty pageant where Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pre-pageant host Nico Locco and yours truly hosted. Marco serenaded the contestants. The following day, Bermas performed in the culmination of the fiesta together with yours truly who had a comedy concert on the highlight of the fiesta.

With Marc Logan

So what happened to the rebels of Kauswagan? Mayor Arnado answered my question and explained his project both at the same time. “We brought in rebels to surrender with a program I launched called 'From Arms to Farms' which won two United Nations awards as an organic farming incentive to rebels earning international recognition. As of this moment, the said rebel returnees are now partners of our local government in preserving the peace and order of the locality,"  the five termer mayor told Gossip Girl.

With Nico Loco

This coming June 2-10, Kauswagan will host the 6th Organic Asia Congress participated in by different countries across the globe. Kauswagan boasts itself of being an organic municipality where all fruits and vegetables are organically grown. “Organic farming is my advocacy since I started. I am the president the of the League of organic agriculture municipalities and cities of the Philipines and we aim to spread organic farming all throughout the Philippines," says the mayor of Kauswagan in my exclusive interview with him.