Following the series of the scoping and appraisal activity in the region, the DA-BAR scoping and validation team, led by assistant director Joell H. Lales, headed to the province of Lanao del Norte in Mindanao on 11-14 September 2023.

 The weeklong activity commenced with a meeting with Lanao del Norte Provincial Agriculturist, Ms. Leticia G. Ditucalan, and DA Northern Mindanao Research Division to discuss the goal of the Participatory Agriculture and Fisheries R4D Technology Transfer toward Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (PARTNERS) approach.

 Farmers and fisherfolk organized groups from Poona Piagapo and Tagoloan–Kalimudan Farmers Association, Darimbang Tagoloan Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, Mapantaw Green Farmers Association, Magkaisa Farmers Association, and the Rice and Hope Farmers Association, shared their insights during the action planning workshop. Respective municipal mayors also joined said activity.

 The PARTNERS approach aims to bring tailor-fitted interventions to stakeholders in selected areas or communities based on their identified needs. This is expected to proactively engage the farmers and fisherfolk and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in achieving an inclusive development.