June 15, 2025 | Region XII — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office XII (DA-RFO XII), in coordination with the National Program Management Office (4K-NPMO), conducted a series of sub-project monitoring and site visits from June 3 to 5, 2025, across various Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in Region XII.
Led by 4K-NPMO Director Gilbert V. Baltazar, the activity aimed to evaluate the implementation and impact of the Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program in improving the livelihoods and well-being of Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs).
The monitoring covered ancestral domain sites and project areas in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; Maitum, Sarangani Province; T’boli, South Cotabato; and Matalam, Cotabato Province. The team engaged with several IPOs including the MASANAB (Masaganang Nayon sa Baluan) Farmers Association, Yama Farmers Association, Demamis Farmers Association, Diversified IPs Farmering Association, and Matalam Bansa Te Darapuanen Association, Inc.
The visits focused on assessing the relevance and effectiveness of interventions provided through the 4K Program, ensuring they meet the specific developmental needs and cultural contexts of the IP communities. Discussions and field assessments aimed to identify areas for improvement, gather feedback from beneficiaries, and reinforce support for sustainable, inclusive development.
The 4K Program is a government initiative that seeks to empower Indigenous Peoples through agricultural support, capacity-building, and infrastructure development anchored on their ancestral domain development frameworks.