DA-10, 4K nat’l team monitor subprojects in 7 IP orgs in Buk’n

 

BUKIDNON – In a bid to assess the sustainability of DA-4K-supported projects and the development of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC)/Indigenous Peoples (IP) organizations, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) National Program Management Office (NPMO) and DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10 4K) deployed two teams for a series of subproject monitoring activities in the province.

From March 24 to 28, the teams visited a total of 7 organizations, which is part of a nationwide monitoring effort to refine the DA’s special program in the provision of agricultural inputs and technology packages tailored to the needs of the IPs.

The team for the towns of San Fernando and Quezon, led by DA-4K Agriculturist II Gilbert A. Apa-ap and 4K-NPMO PDO II Arceli C. Walan, visited the following ICC/IP orgs:

Minole Tigwahanon Manobo Matigsalog Tribe Association (MINTIGMAMATA) – San Fernando
Kolamanen Manobo Tribe Association (KOMANTRAS) – Quezon

Meanwhile, the team for the municipality of Impasug-ong, led by DA-10 4K community development officers Anna Mae B. Guinto and Jonalyn J. Setienta, alongside 4K-NPMO Project Evaluation Officer II Alfie R. Yamugan, visited the following ICC/IP orgs:

Minlanaw Highland Farmers Association (MINHIFA)
Grupo Hu Nagkasabwa Hu Mga Mag-uuma sa Mahan-ao (GRUNAMAMA)
Pigbuligaan Farmers’ Association
Mahagwa Buligay Farmers’ Association
Kahugpongan Association

Both teams were joined by agricultural extension workers (AEWs) from the concerned local government units to ensure a coordinated and participatory assessment process.

During the field visits, the teams inspected the proper utilization of turned over agricultural provisions under the 4K program, including horses, carabaos, and abaca seedlings, decorticators, and strippers, all aimed at supporting the IPs’ crop production and farm mechanization needs.

“The 4K program granted us six horses, and one has already foaled, increasing our total to seven. Our aspiration is for each member to have a horse, which will ease the burden of hauling our harvests from every farm,” said Chriseel Rodel Tilocan, president of the Pigbuligaan Farmers’ Association in Impasug-ong town.

Further, the Kahugpongan Association’s proposal to transition into a farmers’ cooperative aligns with their Community Development Plan, aiming to boost rice farming by having each member tend to their own farm. By pooling resources, members of the future coop can easily benefit from modern farming techniques, quality seeds, and advanced technologies, enabling them to expand into bigger and more lucrative markets.

Following the five-day monitoring activities, an exit conference with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga was held. “Our goal is to provide agricultural interventions while ensuring that their culture is preserved,” said Madriaga.

The teams, together with the agri official, discussed key findings and proposed solutions based on the needs of the ICC/IP orgs.

Further, the 4K NPMO will continue monitoring activities in other regions. The findings from the different visits will be consolidated into a report that will guide future policies and funding allocations under the DA-4K program.# (BJCE)