The Department of Agriculture (DA) is fast-tracking the implementation of three major projects in Mindanao aimed at boosting the productivity of the region’s agriculture and fisheries sectors, helping it fulfill its potential as a prime agricultural hub for the Philippines.
These projects, under the Second Additional Financing for the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP-AF2), aim to enhance food logistics, access, and security across the country. Building on the success of the first PRDP, the initiative is designed to address the emerging demands of the post-COVID era by supporting recovery efforts in agriculture and fisheries, while working toward a food-secure “Bagong Pilipinas.”
One key component is the DA-PRDP Scale-Up project, which addresses long-standing challenges in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. This project emphasizes clustering and consolidation as a strategy to improve productivity, fosters greater participation from the private sector, and incorporates climate resilience into its interventions to safeguard future food security.
Additionally, the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) is focused on increasing agricultural productivity and resilience in selected ancestral domains. By organizing farmer and fisherfolk groups and improving access to markets and services, the project aims to uplift communities in geographically isolated areas. The initiative will also strengthen the capacities of local government units (LGUs) to address challenges such as low incomes and weak market linkages, while improving infrastructure in these underserved regions.
Mindanao currently accounts for 35.1% of the country’s total agricultural production, and these projects are expected to further enhance the region’s contributions to the national food supply. The DA’s efforts are seen as crucial in ensuring that the region reaches its full potential as the country’s agricultural powerhouse.
“We thank the Department of Finance (DOF) for providing the necessary funds to support these ongoing foreign-assisted projects. This is a significant boost as we work to complete them according to schedule, allowing Filipinos to benefit from the improvements as soon as possible,” said DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa.
These projects highlight the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and improving livelihoods in Mindanao, with a focus on sustainable agricultural growth and resilience against future challenges.
