The DA-Davao Region launched a new DA-BAR supported R4D project titled, Establishment of Coconut-based Farming System towards Technology Adoption in Paquibato District, Davao City on 8 March 2023.
With the objective of improving the production of old coconut, cacao, and Cardaba banana, the DA-Davao Region shall rehabilitate said commodities through appropriate nutrient and cultural management, and pest and diseases control.
This will also allow the farmers to create a viable livelihood with swine and vegetable production, hence increase income and enhance quality of life in a span of 5 to 10 years after project completion.
The project also aims to strengthen and capacitate farmer-beneficiaries to ensure the sustainability of cacao and banana rehabilitation through hands-on training and seminars.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang project na ito. Magiging maganda ang Cardaba at cacao. Mare-rehab din ang mga coconut farms,” said project leader Grace P. Gutierrez.
“We conducted participatory action research to identify the needs of our farmers…Hiningi ito ng mga farmers and from our team– we crafted it into a proposal for funding of DA-BAR,” she added.
She also emphasized that the team will focus more on technology intervention, as well as its marketing strategies.
Meanwhile, during the program, DA-Davao Region Research Division chief Melani A. Provido inspired the guests and participants.
“I hope we will not be discouraged because every day there is hope and optimism,” she said while ensuring farmers that the technology has gone through a series of assessments and research for it to be sustainable.
The selected members of the Malabog-Fatima Integrated Farmers’ Association, serving as partner-beneficiaries, received farming supplies such as organic fertilizers, seeds, equipment, and planting materials to start-off technology intervention in coconut farming.
Attending the event were DA-Davao Region officials, DA-BAR team spearheaded by Research Coordination Division acting-assistant head Amavel A. Velasco and local government unit representatives, and identified farmer-beneficiaries.
“DA-BAR has funded the project to support the needs of our farmer-partners, [we] hope for the success of your future endeavors,” said Velasco during the closing ceremony.
She also emphasized that DA-BAR is a research-coordinating agency supporting the R4D initiatives in the agricultural sector in the Philippines.