KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato— The Provincial Government of Cotabato, under the leadership of Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza, continues to fortify its agricultural development policies, particularly in promoting organic farming and enhancing the local durian industry.
On June 19, 2025, the province kicked off a two-day workshop on the crafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Provincial Ordinance No. 725, titled “An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture in the Province of Cotabato.” The ordinance, authored by Board Member Jonathan Tabara, aims to strengthen organic agriculture practices in the province to protect both human health and the environment from the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals and toxic pesticides.
The workshop brought together various stakeholders, including organic farmers, non-government organizations, and local officials, to discuss the provisions that will guide the ordinance’s implementation. The crafting of the IRR concluded on June 20, 2025.
On the same day, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) also spearheaded the Municipal/City Durian Coordinators and Durian Farmer Leaders Coordinative Meeting held at the SP Gallery, Capitol Building in Amas, Kidapawan City. The event aimed to strengthen collaboration among durian coordinators and farmer leaders to formulate strategies that will further develop and stabilize Cotabato’s durian industry.
Among the key topics discussed was the upcoming 1st Provincial Durian Congress, which seeks to bring together durian growers and stakeholders to expand knowledge, build networks, and explore market opportunities. Participants also tackled the proposed establishment of a Durian Bagsakan Center, envisioned to become the central hub for collection and distribution of durian supplies in the province.
The two events reflect the unwavering commitment of Governor Taliño-Mendoza’s administration to uplift the province’s agricultural sector and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous livelihood for Cotabateño farmers.
Present during the durian meeting were international exporter Kelvin Tay of Singapore-based The Fruits Tree Marketing OPC, Provincial Agricultural and Fisheries Council (PAFC) Chair Tiny R. Tamayo, and Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) Member Amalia J. Datukan.