MALAYBALAY CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (DA-MIADP RPCO 10), in collaboration with the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) and the DA-10 Research Division, successfully facilitated a technical assistance initiative on February 20-21, 2025, aimed at enhancing the agricultural practices of the indigenous cultural community / indigenous peoples (ICC/IPs) in the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain (AD). This initiative provided crucial knowledge and skills to equip the community with the necessary tools and techniques to sustain and enhance their productivity.
A key highlight of the initiative was the lecture on Abaca Nursery Management and Production, conducted by Provincial Fiber Officer Mr. Mark Lloyd Ytang of PhilFIDA – Bukidnon. He emphasized the importance of proper nursery management, the selection of high quality planting materials, and effective disease control strategies. As abaca is one of the top-priority commodities in the Daraghuyan AD, improving production techniques is essential to increasing yield and ensuring economic viability. The technical assistance allowed participants to gain valuable insights into enhancing their production efficiency and maintaining the long-term sustainability of their abaca plantations.
Recognizing coffee as one of Daraghuyan AD’s primary agricultural commodities, the DA Research Division provided an in-depth lecture on Nursery Management and Coffee Production. Resource speaker Mr. Joel Pueblos shared his expertise on proper coffee bagging techniques, which plays a crucial role in the early development stages of coffee plants. He also provided recommendations on suitable fertilizers and other essential inputs to optimize growth.
Coffee remains a significant source of livelihood for the community, with promising opportunities for expansion through value-added processing and market engagement. With proper farm management and the right agricultural inputs, Daraghuyan AD’s coffee farmers can maximize their yield and improve the quality of their coffee produce, opening more opportunities for economic growth.
Building on these efforts, another training on Abaca Production and Propagation and Coffee Production and Maintenance was held on February 26, 2025. Farmers gained hands-on experience in nursery management, organic fertilization, and pest control to improve productivity and maintain a steady supply of planting materials. PhilFIDA facilitated the delivery of abaca seedlings and encouraged the propagation of the native variety, committing to provide materials and technical guidance. Community members agreed to source seedlings locally and actively participate in cultivation training to ensure sustainability. The session reinforced sustainable practices, expanded market opportunities, and strengthened farmer collaboration, ultimately improving livelihoods in the Daraghuyan community.
As MIADP continues its social preparation initiatives, DA-10 continues to extend immediate interventions through its regular programs to support the livelihood of the ICC/IPs. These efforts will enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and economic stability. Through sustained collaboration, the Daraghuyan AD is expected to gain access to vital resources, technical expertise, and market opportunities, ensuring the long-term sustainability of abaca and coffee farming as viable sources of income.
𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘱𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘋𝘈-𝘔𝘐𝘈𝘋𝘗 𝘙𝘗𝘊𝘖 10’𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦, 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦!
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