BUTUAN CITY—To enable indigenous communities to build profitable and resilient agri-fishery businesses, the Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP) spearheaded a business planning workshop for new Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) last July 20 to 24, 2026.
The intensive capacity-building activity brought together 55 leaders, members, and technical representatives from six Manobo and Higaonon Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) spanning Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADT) 136 of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur and 252 of Agusan del Norte.
Participating groups included the Manduminda Clan sa Casiklan Association (MACCAI) Inc., Lekda Inamay Higaonon Farmers Association (LIHFA), Migduyan Farmers Organization (MIFAO), Balataan Naamulan Higaonon Tribal Services Cooperative, Consuelo Tribal Agroforestry Multipurpose Cooperative (COTAMPCO), and Consuelo Katibuan Tribal Council Inc. (COKATRICO).
Building Sustainable, Bankable Enterprises
The workshop guided participants through the complete Business Development Cycle, moving beyond basic raw material production into strategic value-adding, product processing, and value-chain consolidation.
“The knowledge and skills gained from this activity are not solely for compliance with MIADP, but more importantly for the growth, sustainability, and long-term improvement of your respective organizations,” said Development Facilitator Andres A. Sarsaba during the opening session. “Financial analysis and business planning are essential tools for effective management and long-term viability,” he added.
Enterprise Development Specialist Ramil J. Leongas facilitated sessions on Strengths, Weakneses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis, capital acquisition, and the core components of an 80-page comprehensive business plan—including marketing, technical/production, organizational management, and financial projections.
Supported by Business Development Specialist Jonalyn P. Almodiente and Enterprise Development Specialist Sherrie Ann C. Cardoniga, the participants drafted data-driven market analyses, calculated working capital cycles, and projected balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports tailored to their local commodity proposals.
Technical Support and Safeguards Integration
Recognizing the technical complexity of crafting bankable business plans, MIADP assured the indigenous leaders that Local Project Management and Implementation Units (LPMIUs), Regional Project Coordination Offices (RPCO), and Project Support Offices (PSO) will continue providing dedicated writing and data-gathering assistance.
Marisa G. Garces, Head of MIADP Component 3, urged the IPOs to move toward product processing to increase product value and market competitiveness. She highlighted available linkages with government bodies, such as the One-Stop Agri Center (OSAC), to secure sustainable market outlets.
Additionally, Environmental and Safeguards Officer Joville Jay N. Ontanillas oriented the participants on mandatory Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). The sessions detailed necessary documentary requirements—including Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), Waste Management Plans, and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) documentation—to ensure enterprise projects remain environmentally sound and socially responsible.
Empowering Tribal Women and Future Generations
Indigenous leaders welcomed the practical approach of the workshop. Tribal leader Bae Melinda noted that the training significantly contributed to women’s empowerment within their organization, shifting the role of IP women from passive supporters to active managers of community businesses.
The five-day activity culminated in the drafting of initial business plans for all six participating IPOs, establishing an operational roadmap designed to generate sustainable livelihoods for present community members and future generations.
MIADP | Indigenous Peoples’ Harnessing Opportunities for a Progressive Economy #IPsHOPE
