Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines – The Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) Regional Project Coordinating Office (RPCO) IX conducted a two-day orientation and workshop for the Local Project Management and Implementing Unit (LPMIU) on November 12-13, 2024, at the Plenary Hall of the Convention and Exhibition Center in Zamboanga del Norte. The activity brought together provincial government heads, staff, and key stakeholders to discuss the implementation of inclusive agricultural programs in the province.
Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” G. Jalosjos, through Ms. Augee L. Velasco, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, expressed gratitude to MIADP-RPCO IX for its commitment to inclusive agricultural development. The initiative specifically aims to uplift the Subanen Indigenous Group and other Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) in Zamboanga del Norte by fostering sustainable agricultural practices and providing access to critical resources.
The MIADP, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA), is designed to improve agricultural productivity, resilience, and market access for farmer and fisherfolk organizations within ancestral domains. During the event, Social Preparation Specialist Ms. Catherine C. Empasis presented the project’s objectives, emphasizing its inclusive approach and focus on empowering Indigenous Peoples.
Engr. Marcos C. Aves, Regional Executive Director of the DA, provided an overview of MIADP, detailing its four major components:
- Ancestral Domain Planning and Social Preparation
- Resilient and Ancestral Domain Agri-Fisheries Infrastructure
- Ancestral Domain Agri-Fisheries Production and Enterprise Development
- Project Management, Support, Monitoring, and Evaluation
Engr. Aves highlighted the pivotal role of Indigenous Cultural Communities, as recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), as primary beneficiaries of the project.
Engaging Workshop and Discussions
The workshop enabled participants to collaborate and define their roles and responsibilities across MIADP’s key components. Discussions covered essential topics, including:
- Grievance Redress Mechanism
- LPMIU Roles in Ancestral Domain Planning and Infrastructure Development
- Selection Criteria for IPO Beneficiaries
- Orientation on Legal and Administrative Requirements (MOA, IMA)
- World Bank Procurement Guidelines Specific to MIADP
Resource persons such as Engr. Brandon M. Mentolaroc, Careen Alano, Engr. Anthony Fred D. Cabusas, Ms. Jonah Lyn D. Curpoz, Mr. Alrashid M. Salim, and Manichan K. Mena guided participants through the discussions and practical sessions.
Commitment to Inclusive Growth
The event concluded with a call to action from Ms. Augee L. Velasco, who urged participants to channel their learnings and enthusiasm toward achieving MIADP’s goals. She emphasized the province’s vision to support the Subanen community and other Indigenous groups through meaningful and sustainable agricultural initiatives.
The orientation and workshop marked a significant step in aligning Zamboanga del Norte’s local government and stakeholders with MIADP’s mission of inclusive agricultural development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward rural progress.
