Agri-10 launches MIADP designed for inclusive agricultural development in Northern Mindanao.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To signify its commitment toward the inclusive development of the region’s agricultural sector, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) formally launched the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) in Northern Mindanao, on March 11, in this city.
According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director and MIADP 10 Regional Project Director Carlene C. Collado, the newly launched project is set to implement support programs for organized farmer and fisherfolk groups that address weak market linkages and insufficient agricultural infrastructure in geographically isolated ancestral domains, which have been identified as key factors to the poverty experienced by indigenous peoples (IPs) in said areas.
DA as the lead implementing agency is joined by partner national government agencies (NGAs) and agricultural stakeholders from the provincial, and municipal local government units (LGUs) to enhance productivity, strengthen market access, and champion sustainable development and self-sufficiency among IPs, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction, the director added.
These NGAs include the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Philippine Army (PA).
Also serving as members of the Regional Project Advisory Board are the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, and the Municipal governments of Impasug-ong and Malitbog.
On the other hand, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized that convergence, collaboration, and cooperation of the DA and its stakeholders is imperative to the success of the project.
With a total project cost of P6.625 billion, with funding from the World Bank, MIADP 10 Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas said that the project will run for six years, from 2023 until 2028, and covers selected ancestral domains in Mindanao.
He added that in region 10, MIADP’s pilot coverage area includes two ADs in Bukidnon, namely: AD Kalawanan 1 and 2 in San Luis, Malitbog spanning a total 20,083.18 hectares, and AD Bukidnon Tagoloanon in Sitio Kibuwa, Impalutao, Impasugong with a total 2,952.5138 hectares.
Further, Rudinas bared MIADP’s five program components and their corresponding key activities for capacity development and provision of technical support; provision of climate-proofed agri-fisheries infrastructure; production and enterprise development; project management support, monitoring, and evaluation; and contingent emergency response.
Underscoring the launch as a milestone for agricultural development in Northern Mindanao, MIADP Project Director Abel James I. Monteagudo expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders present for the support shown for the activity.
Culminating said activity, partner government agencies and local government units declared their respective offices’ commitment and support for the project through the signing of the Pledge of Commitment.# (GDA)