Mindanawon: Championing Rural Development in Mindanao

Message from the Project Director

The Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project has come a long way since it started in 2014.

PRDP’s support for farmers and fisherfolk in Mindanao is seen in the farm-to-market roads, bridges, potable water systems, communal irrigation systems, and post-harvest facilities that have been constructed so far. It is also see in the production, processing, and marketing enterprise subprojects that are being implemented in all six regions in Mindanao Cluster.

We are working towards bringing more projects that will benefit more farmers and fisherfolk with the Second Additional Financing and European Union Co-Financing Grant so we hope to gather more stories of success in Mindanao soon.

As a Mindanawon, I am proud of Mindanao’s distinction as the food basket of the Philippines and to honor our farmers and fisherfolk, we will continue in our commitment to provide them with the needed support in all the segments of the value chain.

I would like to acknowledge all the people behind PRDP’s accomplishments who worked hard to make our beneficiaries’ dreams a reality. May all the good practices and lessons learned throughout the implementation of the Project along with your commitment to serve and improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolk in Mindanao guide us to accomplish more in the years to come.

Finally, would like to thank our farmers and fisherfolk who allowed their stories to be part of this book so we would remember the good work that we started and motivate us towards doing our best to make more champions out of every Mindanawon.

Dalaygon ang Diyos!

Foreword

Ideas must find a champion or they will just fade away.

This is what this coffee table book: “Mindanawon: Championing Rural Development in Mindanao,” is all about. The book documents and features the gains of the PRDP Mindanao Cluster.

Since the start of the Original Loan (OL) and First Additional Financing (AF1), PRDP Mindanao along with the three other clusters of the Project across the country, has compiled a wealth of knowledge and rich experiences in implementing rural infrastructure and enterprise projects.

In 2022, PSO Mindanao was at a crossroads of its project implementation as it needed to look back and at the same time move forward. By looking back we mean we had to revisit and resolve issues to fast-track completion of projects (OL and AF) while at the same time, gear up towards the acceleration of approval to start the implementation of the Second Additional FInancing and EU Co-Financing grant (AF2-EU). Amid the backdrop of quarantine restrictions and COVID-19 lockdowns, we were able to pull it through and open-up economic opportunities in Mindanao rural communities.

Now that we are on our way towards recovery and moving towards more dynamic project implementation in Mindanao, we feel the need to take stock of the knowledge gained and lessons learned and compile them into one single document that is easy to read and retrieve.

One of the valuable lessons the pandemic has taught us was how to harness the power of information technology so we can continuously supervise project implementation through virtual meetings, online discussions, and even the conduct of virtual World Bank Support Mission despite the lockdowns and travel restrictions.

While the Project has poured in huge investments in rural infrastructure and various enterprises along the value chain, its contributions cannot be stand alone. With this, we have leveraged convergence to draw more investments to our covered communities and pave the way for infrastructure expansion, enterprise consolidation, and knowledge generation.

The mainstreaming of PRDP tools and innovations is also featured in this book not only to showcase what we have started with the Department of Agriculture regional offices and LGUs but also to inspire other partners to replicate these in their respective project implementation.

PRDP Mindanao also takes pride in the resiliency of its infrastructure projects that were able to withstand the wrath of Typhoon Odette particularly in the CARAGA region. It is a testament to PRDP’s adherence to global quality standards in infrastructure development.

The photos and narratives in this document would not be possible were it not for the generous support and continued guidance of our partners and stakeholders: the World Bank and National Project Coordination Office, Regional Project Coordination Offices and LGUs, and above all our farmers and fisherfolk who champion our Project goal of establishing a value chain-oriented, market-driven, and climate-resilient rural economy in Mindanao.

This coffee table book pays tribute to the extraordinary efforts of our champions as captured and featured through striking photos, compelling narratives, and data visualization through infographics. It also comes at the most propitious time as we look forward to PRDP Scale-up and other projects in the pipeline for Mindanao.

As you browse through the pages of this book, we hope the photos and stories would keep your commitment aflame toward sustainable development and lasting peace in Mindanao. Together, let us continue to develop new champions and celebrate new victories!

Padayon Mindanawon!

Abel James I. Monteagudo Project Director PRDP Mindanao

T. Provido Deputy Project Director

Noel

Building on Previous Gains:

From the Original Loan to the Second Additional Financing

The Philippine Rural Development Project or PRDP is a national flagship rural development initiative of the Department of Agriculture jointly funded by the World Bank, the National Government, and participating local government units which aims to reduce rural poverty and promote inclusive growth in the countryside by adopting a value-chain oriented and climate resilient approach to modernizing the agriculture and fisheries sector.

In Mindanao, PRDP has contributed to an 84% increase in household beneficiary income and a 16% increase in individual beneficiary income; a 42% increase in value of marketed outputs; and the delivery of agricultural assets or services to 788,871 farmers and 380,526 female farmers.

The success of the initial run of PRDP, allowed for its extension until 2022 with the First Additional Funding. The First Additional Financing or AF1 allowed PRDP to fund the expanding demands from the different LGUs for additional infrastructure subprojects such as post-harvest facilities, communal irrigation systems, potable water systems, and others as well as more farm-to-market roads (FMRs).

Hermenegildo Canagahan, Jr., manager of Kiblawan Multipurpose Cooperative (KMPC) poses with his dried cacao beans. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

The COVID-19 Pandemic which put the world at a standstill in terms of health, safety, and logistics in 2019, would change the game for PRDP in terms of delivering on its objectives by highlighting what would be one of the major needs during the crisis – food security.

To respond to the effects of the coronavirus outbreak of 2019 in particular on food security, the US$280 Million Second Additional Financing (AF-2) was re-aligned to support the economic recovery efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the DA’s “Ahon Lahat, Pagkain Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra COVID-19 (Survive, Reboot, Grow)” Program.

Breakthroughs in Crisis:

Best Practices & Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

To circumvent the restrictions on travel and physical gatherings during the pandemic, the semi-annual World Bank Implementation Support Mission to PRDP shifted from an on-ground assembly to an online event. Through the use of PRDP's geotagging tools, audio-visual presentations, and coordination with regional partners to comply with travel and health protocols, the World Bank Team was able to conduct their review and consultations effectively. The use of online platforms paved the way for a more efficient and economical means of coordination that is still being used at present.

The Mindanao Online C.A.F.É. or the Convergence for Agri-Fisheries Enterprise was born out of the need to share knowledge and provide important industry linkages for farmers and fisherfolk during the height of the pandemic where physical gatherings were not allowed. By using this online platform, PRDP Mindanao was able to invite a diverse lineup of knowledge and service providers to reach a wider audience of proponent groups and stakeholders which logistically would have been challenging for physical meetings.

The importance of real time and accurate subproject monitoring despite the restrictions on travel necessitated an increase in the utilization of PRDP's applied geotagging tool (AGT) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. By using the GPS based app, monitoring of subprojects and other related activities through videos & photos was accomplished remotely on Android smart phones and devices by trained individuals on the ground and in locations that were locked-in and closed off locally.

Workers at the San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) sort through and grade the abaca fibers collected from cluster members at their warehouse in San Isidro, Agusan del Norte while following basic health protocols. (Photo by RPCO 13)

MINDANAO ONLINE C.A.F.E.

nder the Second Additional Financing and E.U. Co-Financing grant (AF2-EU), interventions implemented by the PRDP will expand to farmers and fisherfolk in support of food security, as well as promoting enterprise activities and the linkage of production areas directly to the market. The Second Additional Financing (AF2) will benefit more than 300,000 farmers and fisherfolk and generate more than 70,000 jobs under the Project’s infrastructure subprojects and enterprise activities. Also included under the AF2 is the expansion of the PRDP’s implementation in Mindanao to increase the inclusiveness of PRDP by supporting more LGUs in Mindanao that experience poverty and conflict under the €18.3M E.U. Co-Financing grant. This grant covers conflict-affected regions, areas with Indigenous People (IP) groups, fourth to-sixth class Local Government Units (LGUs), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

With the effectivity of the AF2-EU in September 24, 2021, the Mindanao Cluster is pushing forward to implement an additional 74 enterprise subprojects worth P731 M and 85 infrastructure subprojects worth P3.8 billion while targeting the completion of the 162 infrastructure subprojects worth P7.9 billion and 113 enterprise subprojects worth P659 million under the Original Loan and First Additional Financing by the end of 2022.

“This project boosts the country’s efforts to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity by targeting investments in agriculture, which is a major source of livelihood and income in the rural areas. We hope that this additional financing will further foster partnerships in productive investments between farmers’ groups and commercial buyers, contributing to improved market access and higher income opportunities for rural residents.”

World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand

Ndiame Diop

Women members of the Anunang Gamut Fishery Association (AGFA) in Barobo, Surigdao del Sur participate in the bottled bangus and boneless bangus making workshop conducted by BFAR and PRDP.

(Photo by RPCO 13)

Expanded Support for Communities in Need

The European Union Co-Financing Grant

4th to 6th class LGUs

LGUs and Peoples' Organizations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

Conflict-affected areas

The European Union Co-Financing Grant is targeted at providing needed support to communities with the following criteria: 01 02 03 04

Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) Communities

One Goal, Four Components

The Philippine Rural Development Project was implemented to create a more marketoriented and climate resilient agriculture and fishery sector that will increase the rural incomes and enhance productivity of farmers and fisherfolk. PRDP achieves these objectives through four interrelated components, namely:

1. Local and National Planning (I-PLAN)

2. Infrastructure Development (I-BUILD)

3. Enterprise Development (I-REAP)

A farmer poses with his harvested crops along the "Concreting of Kepeng-Ungus-Matata Farm-to-Market Road" in Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

4. Project Support (I-SUPPORT)

I-PLAN

The I-PLAN Component strengthens the Department of Agriculture’s planning, programming and budget execution process in support of the National, Regional and Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization & Industrialization Plans (AFMIPs).

I-BUILD

The I-BUILD Component puts in place strategic and climate-resilient rural infrastructures to improve productivity and efficiency along the priority value chains.

I-REAP

The I-REAP Component strengthens and develops viable agriculture and fishery-based enterprises by providing technical, financial and infrastructure support to eligible groups in targeted project areas within the priority value chains.

I-SUPPORT

The I-SUPPORT Component leads in maintaining effective and efficient management by institutionalizing significant reforms supported under the Project.

Increased Household Income Increased Beneficiary Income

Increased Value of Marketed Outputs

Farmers Reached with Agricultural Assets or Services

Female Farmers Reached with Assets or Services

Project Milestones

he utilization of science-based tools by PRDP allowed for the strategic identification of projects that respond to the needs of farmers and fishers while addressing the demands of the market.

As a result, the institutionalization and successful implementation of these science-based systems or processes have helped the Mindanao Cluster achieved milestone accomplishments and emerging benefits that contributed to the overall National Project targets and objectives.

242% Actual

PhP64,349 - PhP118,093 Real income PhP38,978- PhP45,000

PhP54,000 - PhP185,000 Vol. of market outputs

788,871

Farmers/individuals

380,526

Female farmers

280% 53% 131% 590% 141%

Embracing the Value Chain

Prioritizing Interventions for Maximized Results

ince its implementation in 2014, PRDP has been using the commodity value chain as a guide for local government units in identifying priority interventions to enhance the competitiveness of selected commodities. A value chain is defined as the full range of activities that are required to bring a product or service from conception, through the different phases of production, and delivery to the market.

By using the value chain analysis (VCA), PRDP is able to identify existing and potential market opportunities that can spur growth as well as identify key constraints and possible catalysts. Additionally, the VCA as a tool promotes public-private partnership by presenting opportunities for private sector investment to promote collaboration and generate commitments to make agricultural production and processing a viable business.

The Mindanao Cluster has a total of thirty-six (36) approved VCAs. This includes the newly approved VCAs for native chicken, calamansi, and soybeans, with additional VCAs being crafted on lowland vegetables, white leg shrimp, tilapia, sakurab, and free-range chicken.

Central to PRDP’s basis for funding infrastructure and enterprise subprojects is the formulation of the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP). The PCIP is a 3-year rolling plan based on the value chain analyses of the commodities conducted with strong participation of the various stakeholders in the chain. It is a strategic plan that rationalizes the interventions within the various segments of the value chain of commodities which are significant to the province.

As a tool, PCIP has not only allowed PRDP to strategically implement subprojects under the I-BUILD and I-REAP, but has also been instrumental in leveraging resources from other National Government Agencies (NGAs) and the private sectors to help develop a dynamic provincial agri-fishery sector.

36 Approved Commodity VCAs

Abaca Banana (Cardava/Lakatan)

Rubber (Crumb/Sheet)

Rice

Cacao

Cassava Seaweed

Coffee Swine

Dairy

Tuna/Bangus/ Sardines

Goat

Mango

Native Chicken

Coconut (Oil/Fiber & Peat/ Sugar)

Soybeans

Interventions Across the Value Chain Segments

Inputs

The provision of inputs such as seedlings, seeds, and other farming materials are critical to successful crop production and consequently, farm productivity and profitability. Upgraded stocks that offer faster growth and better resistance to climate challenges and diseases ensure better harvests and thus provide better incomes for farmers and fisherfolk.

Coffee nursery at the Kasiklan Wheels Farmers Association, Inc. (Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte)

Lab-based seaweed nursery at Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi (Bongao, Tawi-Tawi)

Cacao nursery at the Piñan Multipurpose Cooperative (Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte)

PRDP examines all the segments of the commodity value chains, assesses gaps and opportunities, and provides investments to address these critical gaps.

Production

Support for production such as the provision of harvesting tools, equipment, feeds, etc. as well as training on new and improved techniques and knowledge transfer help increase the yield of farmers and fisherfolk through the adoption of best practices and technical support.

Postharvest

During the post-harvest period, handlers and producers focus on preserving the quality, quantity, and safety of their commodities. Maintaining the integrity of harvested crops and produce is important because it directly affects the price of their produce. By providing facilities such as warehouses, solar dryers, fermentation boxes, etc., high value commodities are proteced from moisture, harsh heat, contaminants, and insects to ensure that their quality will not be diminished.

Warehouse at Household Multipurpose Cooperative (Antipas, South Cotabato)

Bangus harvest with the Anunang Gamut Fisherfolk Association (Barobo, Surigao del Sur)

Cacao farming with the Kapalong Cooperative (Kapalong, Davao del Norte)

Seaweed farming at Bacayawan Rural Improvement Club (Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur)

Solar Dryer at Kiblawan Multipurpose Cooperative (Kiblawan, Davao del Sur) Fermentation Boxes at Kiblawan Multipurpose Cooperative (Kiblawan, Davao del Norte)

Marketing Processing

Processing machineries and equipment help improve the quality and quantity of products by providing maximum efficiency in transforming and sorting agricultural produce at a better rate than with conventional or manual methods minimizing labor time & costs. In the production of food products, the provision of better hygiene and safety measures for handlers and processors reduces spoilage and wastage and increases their value in the market.

By providing avenues for linkages between producers and buyers through trade shows, business matching activities, etc., and through the provision of capacity development and training, and support in packaging and branding, PRDP helps their proponent groups increase their income by adding value to their products and expanding their market reach.

One-on-one consultation with cacao stakeholders at the National Cacao Congress at the SMX Convention Center, Davao City

Business Matching Activity at the Philippine Coffee Expo, SMX Convention Center, Davao City

Seaweed crackers by Pantad Womens' Fisherfolk Association (Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur)

Chocolate processing at Rehoboth Agriculture Cooperative (Panabo, Davao del Norte)

Dairy production & processing at the Nabunturan Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (Nabunturan, Davao de Oro)

Abaca fiber consolidation at the San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (San Isidro, Agusan del Norte)

Commodity Investment Plan

A Blueprint for Agri-fishery Development

By rationalizing interventions across the value chains, the Commodity Investment Plan (CIP) provides an effective basis for identifying necessary interventions for infrastructure and enterprise development.

Its success as a reference document among local government units in providing direction for prioritizing investments to develop agri-fishery value chains has made it a useful planning tool and "blueprint" for other organizations and agencies in identifying their own development interventions.

The efforts to mainstream the CIP has resulted in over P30 billion leveraged investments from government line agencies and international funding organizations which use it as a guide in prioritizing investments in their own programs and projects aimed at agri-fishery development.

NON-PRDP LEVERAGED INVESTMENTS:

Convergence Strengthening

Key Player Support for Farmers

The Convergence Initiatives as spearheaded by the I-PLAN component under its subcomponent 1.2, has brought together the participation of not only the Department of Agriculture, but also that of other government line agencies, local government units, and private sectors to strengthen support for farmers engaged in a particular commodity.

By identifying the roles and strengths of each player, duplication of interventions is avoided and support is complemented thereby benefiting farmers with support that is appropriate for their needs.

In Mindanao, the Convergence Initiatives for abaca, coffee, cacao, and seaweed have proven to be successful in bringing together different groups and organizations to maximize support for farmers and fisherfolk.

The warehouse from PRDP through the convergence has helped us expand our operations by allowing us to accommodate more abaca deliveries. We can now process abaca faster and more efficiently.

Abaca

n 2017, the component of PRDP Mindanao started the convergence initiative for abaca as a way of streamlining and strengthening support for abaca stakeholders in the CARAGA region. This initiative was a collaboration between PhilFIDA, Caraga State University, DTI, DAR, and DOST with the Province of Agusan del Norte as the implementing agency of PRDP’s enterprise subprojects based on the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan or PCIP.

Through this collaborative effort, the San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) was able to grow from a small cooperative earning P100,000 a month to P17 million providing better income not only to their employees but also better earnings for the 21 abaca farmer groups from whom they consolidate their abaca fibers.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each government agency and identifying what roles each can fulfill, PRDP’s Convergence Initiative is weaving together a better future for abaca farmers and producers in the CARAGA Region and the rest of the Philippines.

General Manager SIUFMULCO

Leonora Mila

Workers from San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) pose with their collected abaca fibers at the PRDP provided warehouse at San Isidro, Agusan del Norte. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

San Isidro, Agusan del Norte

Seaweed

For years, seaweed farming has been the main source of income for families and communities in BARMM which is the top seaweed producing region in the country. Tawi-Tawi in particular produced 57% of the region’s total production valued at around P931 million in 2021.

However, challenges to the seaweed industry such as “ice-ice” disease and environmental damage brought about by the over dependence on the use inorganic fertilizer to boost yield has resulted in a decline in overall production in the province and in the region as a whole.

To ensure a better future for seaweeds, PRDP partnered with MSU Tawi-Tawi to produce disease resistant seaweed stock which would totally eliminate the use of fertilizers and reinvigorate seaweed planting material and secure a better future for years to come.

This project by MSU Tawi-Tawi and PRDP is really a blessing for us because it can help us end the rampant use of fertilizers on local seaweed farms which entail added cost and labor. It’s success will have a positive impact for us because we will be able to plant good quality seaweeds in the years to come which we hope to replicate in other areas in Mindanao.

Dr. Richard N. Muallil

Director Office of Continuing Education and Extension Services (OCEANeS)

Father & son bringing home their harvest of seaweeds. Seaweed farming is one of the most common sources of income & livelihood for families in Tawi-Tawi.

Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi

“Support for coffee will be our priority program at least for the next three years.

Our plan is to establish a model Robusta coffee farm here in Sultan Kudarat to be owned and managed by the province to see the realization of our plans and adopting all our best practices in coffee farming.

I believe this will have a big impact not only to our coffee industry but the whole province.

P427.79 Million

15 Subprojects

P50.27 Million

P478.06 Million

5 Subprojects

ENTERPRISE TOTAL PRDP SUPPORT

20 Subprojects

Sultan Kudarat Governor

Hon. Datu Pax Ali Sangki Mangudadatu

Supporting Cacao

Farmers: from Tree to Bar

P2.35 Billion

Total PRDP SUPPORT FOR CACAO

General Manager Kapalong Cooperative

Daniel Pacheco

Building to Last

Adopting Global Standards for Climate Resilient Infrastructure

The quality of infrastructure projects depends a lot on the proper quality management in all the phases of project life cycle. Design and construction are two important aspects which affect the quality outcome of construction projects significantly and ensure that infrastructure subprojects serve its beneficiaries for a long time. By strictly adhering to a global standard for infrastructure, PRDP is able to build high quality & climate-resilient infrastructure and facilities to bridge the gaps in the priority value chains in rural communities where they are needed. Being a typhoon prone country, extra steps are necessary to not only deliver needed infrastructure support but to ensure that these withstand storms, floods and other natural calamities.

PRDP adopts design guidelines from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in building roads that can withstand the effects of extreme weather such as the DPWH DO 112 of 2019 which ensure that road projects last up to twice their indicated lifespan.

Aside from these, PRDP also abides by an Infrastructure Quality Monitoring and Durability System (IQMDS) which serves as a guide in ensuring quality assurance and control for all subprojects by setting the minimum key quality assurance elements, processes for quality control and monitoring to ensure the durability of I-BUILD’s subprojects.

On the other side of PRDP’s successful implementation of infrastructure subprojects is the maintenance of high-quality materials in construction which are ensured through the Materials Testing and Quality Control (MTQC) process. The conduct of materials testing is a requirement under PRDP’s compliance measures and forms part of the disbursement process for project contractors. The quality of materials and the construction process is likewise monitored throughout all stages of construction through the use of the Applied Geotagging Tool to ensure transparency and accountability.

By adopting these measures and applying the lessons learned in its Project implementation, PRDP is building the foundations for a flourishing future for farmers and fisherfolk in rural communities.

Kalawit-Labason FMR Kalawit & Labason, Zamboanga del Norte

SIUFMULCO Warehouse San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte

While the devastation brought about by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021 left in its wake leveled crops and production areas, most of the buildings and roads constructed by PRDP received only minor damages which were repaired in only a matter of months after they were damaged.

Indigenous People's Involvement

As a home to around 18 identified indigenous peoples’ groups (IP), PRDP Mindanao, primarily through its Infrastructure Development (I-BUILD) and Enterprise Development (I-REAP), ensures that members of IP communities are able to participate meaningfully in the planning process under the Local and National level Planning. This means, among others, the deployment of competent and committed Project partners who can work with indigenous communities to ensure that the prioritized plans and projects of IPs as reflected in their Ancestral Domains Sustainable Development And Protection Plans (ADSDPPs) are supported by LGUs and integrated into barangay, municipal and provincial investment plans.

By employing competent IP individuals living in the communities where PRDP’s subprojects are located, IPs are able to earn as well as participate in the implementation of these subprojects creating a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Seaweed Solar Dryer Brgy. New Mabuhay, Dinagat Islands

Concreting of R. Ecleo - Upper Laguna FMR Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands

Concreting of R. Ecleo - Upper Laguna FMR Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands

Shaping Mindanao’s Agripreneurs

Enterprise Support for Rural Development

As PRDP implements subprojects towards agri-industrial enterprise development, equally important is the development of the skills and entrepreneurial know-how of their farmer and fisherfolk beneficiaries.

To this end, PRDP not only focuses on providing interventions that would improve production along the value chain, but also on training and capacity building to transform farmers and fisherfolk from just being producers into businessmen and women.

Through various trainings and activities, PRDP's proponent groups are taught how to understand the basics of entrepreneurship and learn to apply effective organizational management strategies and develop strategic, financial and production planning schemes that will improve the operations and management of their enterprise subprojects.

Farmer member of Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association, Inc. shows off his coffee berries. (Photo by RPCO 13)

PRDP Mindanao's Cacao Proponent Groups attending the National Cacao Congress 2022 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premiere, Davao City

Bookkeeping training with Anunang Gamut Fisherfolk Association in Barobo, Surigao del Sur

PRDP Mindanao Coffee Proponent Groups participate in Business Matching activitiy at the Philippine Coffee Expo 2022, SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premiere, Davao City

Women Empowerment

RDP pursues inclusive agricultural development through the economic empowerment of rural women. Under the Project, women are engaged in enterprise development and are capacitated on the business aspects of farming, post-harvest handling and processing.

In line with empowering women in the agriculture and fisheries sector, PRDP has been continuously providing support to women either as beneficiaries of their infrastructure subprojects through their I-BUILD component or as members of the proponent groups of their enterprise subprojects through their I-REAP component.

One of PRDP’s goals with the I-REAP component is to encourage women participation to have an equal representation of gender in the workforce, and have that increased to 50% as the Project progresses. Currently, the Mindanao Cluster has a total of 12,748 women involved in farming, processing, enterprise management, finance, and the marketing components of assisted enterprises.

Even in her senior years, Loreta Ambay sought to provide for her family. Having been unsuccessful in her efforts to farm corn, she switched to cacao farming after being invited to the Household Multipurpose Cooperative (HMPC) in Antipas, South Cotabato. With the support from the co-op, the Department of Agriculture and the local government, she was able to find a sustainable livelihood for her and her family in the later years of her life.

Rehoboth Agriculture Cooperative

After her time serving as a government employee, Lolita Pinoon found her love for farming when she joined and eventually led the operation of Rehoboth Agriculture Cooperative (RACO). As the manager, Lolita ensures that all members will have equal opportunities and benefits, and leads the group in seeking for partnerships and support from agencies such as DA-PRDP that would bring their products to the international market.

Beverly Pacquiao Farmer Member United Maligang Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative

By turning simple sinamay into artfully-crafted abaca flowers, Beverly Grace Pacquiao and the women weavers of United Maligang Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (UMFMPC) are able to add value to their abaca products and earn additional income to provide for their families independent of their husbands’ support.

by PSO Mindanao)

As a member of the board of directors of Buenacama Agrarian Reform Cooperative (BUCARCO) and an abaca farmer herself, Mary Jane Edo leads the way in helping farmers in their community by providing a secure market for their harvest thereby encouraging a thriving abaca market in Tudela, Misamis Occidental.

Farmer Member United Maligang Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative

A member of the T’boli tribe, Gina used to work as a housekeeper. By joining the United Maligang Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative (UMFMPC) in Kiamba, Saranggani Province, she is now earning a decent income and putting in savings for her future and her family, proving that women and members of indigenous people (IP) communities, are able to provide for themselves and their families.

(Photo

Gina Kango

Lolita Pinoon General Manager

Mainstreaming Tools & Processes

While the basic measure of PRDP’s performance is the physical and financial progress of their subprojects, the Project’s success can also be reflected in the innovations and tools that have been developed and used in the course of its subproject implementation and how these have made an impact on agricultural governance policy. These tools and processes help shape farmers and fishers into rural champions.

Acknowledging this, the Department of Agriculture (DA) issued Memo No. 75 Series of 2021 which outlined the mainstreaming of PRDP innovations into the various programs of the Department. Following this, Memorandum 62 Series of 2022 was also issued which directed all bureau directors, heads of attached corporations, directors of banner programs and special programs, as well as all regional executive directors towards the integration of PRDP processes in the planning and implementation of DA programs. The directive emphasizes the importance of using the VCA and PCIP as the basis and reference in the preparation of plans and programs of the Department and outlines the steps to be taken towards the institutionalization of PRDP learnings in the DA system.

As PRDP continues to pave the way for the strategic and catalytic implementation of more subprojects, the hope is that their successes can be replicated in the national government down to their partners in the LGUs and barangays.

By using these science-based tools and innovations, PRDP is empowering the communities where their specific interventions are implemented, and curbing possible instances of corruption, promoting transparency and improving the Project’s overall process, performance, and quality.

Citizen's Monitoring Team (CMT)

Composed of citizens and community members living in and around the area where a certain subproject is being implemented who are authorized and encouraged to participate and have an active involvement in the implementation and monitoring of the subproject to ensure the quality and timeliness of construction activities.

Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM)

An integral project management element that intends to seek feedback from beneficiaries and resolve complaints on project activities and performance, and effectively address concerns arising from project performance in all phases of implementation.

Rapid Appraisal of Emerging Benefits (RAEB)

An activity meant to determine the success of a particular subproject relative to their specific development objectives and outcomes through direct and immediate feedback from the beneficiaries by use of interviews and focus group discussions.

Applied Geo-tagging Tool (AGT)

A smartphone based too designed to promote transparency and real time monitoring of subproject implementation by linking photos and videos to a high precision geographic location through Global Positioning System or GPS.

Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP)

A tool mainstreamed by the World Bank to DA-PRDP where all procurement processes are tracked and monitored. It is an online system that helps the World Bank and DA-PRDP plan, record, and track key stages of the procurement process under Investment Project Financing (IPF) projects.

Financial Management

A Mindanao Cluster Awards

n efficient financial management system is central to the sucessful implementation of PRDP's subprojects. The finance unit's role in ensuring the proper handling of funds through proper audit and documentation of transactions, planning and forecasting, and monitoring of disbursements are necessary to safeguard the assets and funds entrusted to PRDP.

n 2021, the Project Support Office Mindanao (PSO Mindanao) started the Mindanao Cluster awards as a way of recognizing the outstanding performances of Mindanao's regional offices and partners throughout the year.

The awards listed both physical and financial accomplishments among the Regional Project Coordination Offices, local government units, and other regional partners and stakeholders that contributed to the achievement of the Cluster and the National Project objectives with top honors given to top three performing regions.

The annual handing out of merits set a standard of achievement for the six regions in Mindanao as a way of distinguishing themselves as exemplary implementers of the Project.

By communicating closely and coaching with the other components and units within PRDP, and with partners on the ground in the local government units, proponent groups and other stakeholders, the finance unit is able to guide and provide the necessary support to ensure that the Project's overall objectives are met.

Former Undersecretary for Operations and PRDP National Project Director Ariel T. Cayanan (left) presents the Gold Award to Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo Onate, Jr. (center), together with PRDP PSO Mindanao Project Director Abel James I. Monteagudo (right).

Embracing Rural Champions

INGENUITY

With seaweed trading at a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic, Naomi Genobaga came up with the idea of making chips out of their harvested seaweeds. By processing their seaweed into seaweed chips, Naomi was able to find a way to provide for the Pantad Womens’ Fisherfolk Association during the Pandemic and expand their market with value-added products.

UNITY

By providing opportunities to earn and provide for their families, Reynold Alejo and the Household Multipurpose Cooperative have given former insurgents a reason to lay down their arms and make a living from cacao farming. Their cooperative, which is composed of Christians, Muslims, and members of Indigenous Peoples communities are a shining example for unity through farming.

Seeing the potential in coco sugar production prompted Carlito Labial to study and start their own coco sugar business. With the support of PRDP, their cooperative has secured an expanded market for their coconuts providing a stable income for their members and farmers in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental

PRODUCTIVITY SUSTAINABILITY

Formerly dependent on seasonal income from line fishing, the bangus production and marketing enterprise of the Anunang Gamut Fishermen Association now provides Vilma Guinge and their members a more dependable and environmentally viable livelihood that they can expand and sustain in the years to come.

As one of the respected voices in the local cacao industry, Guadalupe Ocial helped establish BARBCO as a leader in the Mindanao. The many products from their Cacao de Biao line such as their instant champorado and customized chocolates for special occasions reflects the creativity needed to capture the market.

CREATIVITY RESILIENCY

In a field dominated by men, Nor Soon stands out as one of the prominent leaders in their community. The former barangay captain of Balimbing, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-tawi serves as the president of Balimbing Seaweeds Farmers and Fisherfolk Cooperative and continues to dedicate her time and hard work to the success of their group and benefit of their members.

TECHNICAL ADVISER

The best practices and lessons learned as well as the rural development champions featured in this book would not be made possible without the support from our stakeholders and partners who in one way or another contributed to uplifting the lives of farmers and fisherfolk in Mindanao.

The editorial team expresses their sincerest thanks to the following:

Mio Takada

World Bank Task Team Leader

WORLD BANK TEAM EUROPEAN UNION

Maria Theresa G. Quiñones

World Bank Co-Task Team Leader

Christoph Wagner

Head of Cooperation at EU Delegation to the Philippines

NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATION OFFICE

Usec. Domingo F. Panganiban

DA Senior Undersecretary

Engr. Arnel V. de Mesa, CESO III

National Project Director

RPCO IX

Dennis R. Arpia

Regional Executive Director

Reynaldo Campomanes

Deputy Project Director

RPCO XII

Sailila E. Abdula, Ph. D.

Regional Executive Director

Zaldy M. Boloron

Deputy Project Director

Elden Karl Requilme

I-PLAN Component Head

Christian Xerxis Hernandez

Finance Unit Head

Shandy M. Hubilla, CESO IV, EnP. National Deputy Project Director

Sec. William D. Dar Former DA Secretary (2019-2022)

RPCO X

Carlene C. Collado

Regional Executive Director

Carlota S. Madriaga

Deputy Project Director

RPCO XIII

Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. Regional Executive Director

Jodel A. Tabada

Deputy Project Director

PSO MINDANAO

Ronnie John Yulo

I-REAP Component Head

Mary Nor Gonzales

Procurement Unit Head

Arnel Arreglado

SES Unit Head

RPCO XI

Abel James I. Monteagudo

Regional Executive Director

Marila L. Corpuz, Ph. D.

Deputy Project Director

RPCO BARMM

Minister Mohammad Yacob, Ph. D.

Regional Executive Director

Ammal D. Solaiman

Deputy Project Director

Engr. Maria Fe Gabunales

I-BUILD Component Head

Jessica dela Cerna

Admin Unit Head

Joseph Rico M & E Unit Head

Abel James I. Monteagudo Project Director

VOLUME EDITORS

Noel T. Provido Deputy Project Director

Joseph John Palarca, DVM Information & Advocacy Specialist

Joy M. Montecalvo Writer

LAYOUT ARTIST

Leonard John Asuque Media Production Officer

NAOMI GENOBAGA Business Manager

BPWFA

Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur

REYNOLD ALEJO CEO HMPC Antipas, North Cotabato

LITO LABIAL Production Manager AMCI

VILMA GUINGUE Secretary/Caretaker AGFA Barobo, Surigao del Sur

GUADALUPE OCIAL General Manager BARBCO Biao, Davao del Sur

NORATA SOON President BSFFC

Panglima Sugala, Tawi-tawi

All rights reserved 2022.

Department of Agriculture

PHILIPPINE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Mindanao Cluster

Produced by PRDP Project Support Office Mindanao