DA-MIADP, SDS present baseline study results for ancestral domains in Mindanao

 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP) presented the results of the baseline study conducted by the Sustainable Development Solutions, Corp. (SDS) for the three pilot Ancestral Domains (ADs) on February 11 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, here.

The event was hosted by the DA-MIADP Regional Project Coordination Office-10 (RPCO-10), led by its Project Director and DA-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO 10) Executive Director (RED) Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan. It served as a platform to share key findings from the baseline study and discuss their implications for project implementation.

Speaking before the DA-MIADP Project Support Office (PSO) headed by Deputy Project Director (DPD) Cristy Cecilia T. Polido, the RPCOs and representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) from regions 9, 10 and 11, as well as the Local Project Management and Implementing Units (LPMIUs) of Davao del Norte, Malaybalay City, and Zamboanga del Norte, DA-MIADP 10 Project Director Pacamalan emphasized the crucial role of the baseline study serves in assessing the project’s success come endline evaluation.

Likewise, the DA official highlighted the strategies of the DA-MIADP RPCO-10’s, with emphasis on digitization and frontloading of the DA’s programs toward the targeted communities.

For his part, Dr. Nelson Faustino, DA-MIADP PSO Project Monitoring and Evaluation unit head, explained that the study used scientific tools, wherein collected data act as focal points for future impact evaluations of MIADP.

The DA-MIADP-contracted SDS Corp., conducted the baseline survey, which included training sessions for enumerators, field supervisors, research associates, and data processing staff in May 2024, and followed by the roll-out of actual survey activities in June.

Team Leader Virgilio Cabezon led the presentation of findings, covering for the Lintangan-Subanon AD in Region 9, the Daraghuyan AD in Region 10, and the Ata-Manobo AD in Region 11.

Among the surveyed ADs, the Daraghuyan AD of Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, was recognized as one of DA-MIADP RPCO 10’s partners and the project’s model AD.

Survey results identified key areas for development, particularly in improving access to potable water and upgrading road infrastructure. These are seen to enhance health conditions, spur economic activities, and strengthen community connectivity, ultimately improving the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples (IP) residents.

A 1.445-kilometer Farm-to-Market Road subproject was proposed to improve access between sitios Ulanguhon and Damitan, pending deliberation and approval by the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) in March 2025. Additionally, initiatives to establish a Level II Potable Water Supply System is being prioritized to ensure the health and well-being of the community.

Overall, MIADP’s goals are aimed to create better market access, expand agro-economic opportunities, and improve overall living conditions for the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs).
NCIP Zamboanga City representative, Engr. Merilyn Assaali and LPMIU Zamboanga del Norte representative, Engr. Marvin Pangilinan, both lauded the DA-MIADP’s initiatives. Pangilinan, in particular, conveyed his appreciation that an AD under their jurisdiction is benefiting from the project.

“We are thankful to our partners from the SDS, the RPCOs [and the LPMIUs] for gathering relevant information which takes commitment to reach even the remote households, giving them the chance to voice out their concerns under MIADP. This is very important, as it is geared towards improving the communities.” DPD Polido concluded.# (KAC/MIADP)