NorCot Gov continues helping farmers; signs commitment to MinSAAD

AMAS, KIDAPAWAN CITY – North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza pledge support to the foreign assisted project that covers seven provinces in Region 12 during the formal launching of Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development Project (MinSAAD) held at Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City on July 17, 2013.

Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza vowed to support MinSAAD projects in Province of Cotabato. PGO Photo

MinSAAD is funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a non-government agency aimed to make intervention to the communities through an integrated and area-based strategy focused on rural and agricultural development projects.

The project’s main objective is to increase agricultural productivity and income of the agrarian reform beneficiaries in the region.

MinSAAD choose seven municipalities from Cotabato Province as their benefactors – Makilala, Tulunan, Carmen, Banisilan, Pigcawayan, Libungan, and Alamada.

Governors and Mayors of Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat attended the said launching as well.

From North Cotabato, Board Member Loreto V. Cabaya of 1^st District, Mayor Roger Taliño of Carmen, Lani Candolada of Tulunan, Virginia C. Concepcion of Alamada, and Betty Allado of Banisilan arrived with Governor Taliño-Mendoza and some provincial chief executives.

Together, they signed a commitment of support to the projects implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DAR) and Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) witnessed by DAR Undersecretary Jerry Pacturan and MINDA Secretary Lualhati Antonino.

Koichi Ibara, representative from the Office of the Consulate-Japan, in his message said it is their sincere intention that inspires them to help and improve the region’s agricultural production.

In response, Governor Taliño-Mendoza was very thankful for the support provided by MinSAAD to Cotabato Province.

One way to hand this support from MinSAAD is through the distribution of high-valued seedlings to the local farmers in the province.

To monitor its growing progress, DAR will act as the leading agency for MinSAAD.

The project officially started in 2012 with an allotted fund of PhP3.349B, and is expected to end in 2016. The MinSAAD project will provide support for agricultural, agri-business, rural infrastructure development, water supply development, institutional development, and procurement of equipments in the region.