Davao de Oro, Philippines – In a continued effort to empower Indigenous Peoples (IPs) through inclusive agricultural development, a series of community assemblies and orientation sessions for the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) took place across six municipalities in Davao de Oro. Held from November 26 to December 5, the sessions introduced the Mansaka community to the MIADP’s core features, laying the groundwork for the transformative initiative.
The assemblies, conducted in Maragusan, Nabunturan, Mawab, Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan, served as a platform to engage the Mansaka community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable agricultural growth. The MIADP, a World Bank-funded program spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, is dedicated to supporting Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) within priority Ancestral Domains in Mindanao.
As the project progresses into its next phase, a feedback and data gathering preparation session will be held on December 6. This meeting will refine coordination strategies and plans for the upcoming formulation of the Ancestral Domain Agricultural Implementation Framework (ADAIF), slated for December 11–13. The ADAIF aims to align agricultural initiatives with the unique needs and aspirations of the Indigenous communities in the region.
Governor Dorothy “Dotdot” M. Gonzaga reaffirmed the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro’s commitment to the MIADP, underscoring the importance of empowering Indigenous communities through modern, inclusive agricultural initiatives.
“Our Indigenous Peoples are integral to the province’s growth. Through the MIADP, we aim to create opportunities that honor their heritage while equipping them with tools and technologies to thrive in a modern agricultural landscape,” said Governor Gonzaga.
The MIADP’s holistic approach not only seeks to enhance agricultural productivity but also aims to preserve cultural heritage and promote social equity. As the project unfolds, the involvement of the Mansaka and other Indigenous groups will play a pivotal role in ensuring the initiative’s success and sustainability.
The MIADP reflects a shared vision of progress, ensuring that no one is left behind in Davao de Oro’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable development.