Tikad - PRDP RPCO XII

08/05/2026

At the midpoint of project implementation, PRDP Scale-Up Mindanao continues to move forward in bringing stronger support to farming and fishing communities across the island.

With infrastructure and enterprise development among the most urgent needs on the ground, PSO Mindanao and the Regional Project Coordination Offices continue to work closely with local government units, cooperatives, and community groups to fast-track interventions that improve agri-fishery productivity, market access, and rural connectivity.

Building on the gains of the original PRDP, the Mindanao Cluster remains committed to helping uplift lives and livelihoods in far-flung and culturally diverse communities across Mindanao.

Watch the "From Reports to Results" on our official YouTube channel in the link in the comments.

08/05/2026

𝐏𝐑𝐃𝐏 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞-𝐔𝐩 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 | To ensure the technical soundness and long-term viability of proposed investments in the rubber sector, the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Mindanao Cluster conducted a consultation with rubber industry experts to assess pipeline rubber subprojects under the PRDP Scale-Up framework.

The activity was designed to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of rubber cooperatives seeking project funding, with emphasis on ensuring that proposed subprojects are economically viable, market-resilient, and adaptive to emerging climate risks affecting the rubber industry.

During the discussion, the experts provided technical insights on the current state of the rubber industry, including productivity challenges, market trends, and sustainability considerations. They also offered guidance on improving the design and implementation of proposed subprojects to ensure that these are aligned with industry standards and responsive to both local and global market demands.

In his message, PSO Mindanao Deputy Project Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA, on behalf of Project Director Macario D. Gonzaga, emphasized that there is a need to strengthen the value chain of rubber-based enterprises and to ensure that interventions under the PRDP Scale-Up will generate inclusive and sustainable economic benefits for participating cooperatives and communities.

The consultation brought together key experts in the field of rubber research and development, namely Mr. Alfonso Jack Sandique, Chairperson of the National Banner Program Committee on High-Value Crops for Rubber; Dr. Cheryl L. Eusala, Executive Director III of the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (participating via Google Meet); and Elline M. Ahig, MSA, Science Research Specialist II of the same institute, who also joined virtually.

The consultation forms part of PRDP Mindanao Cluster’s continuing efforts to reinforce evidence-based planning and strengthen project preparation processes, in line with the program’s commitment to inclusive rural development and climate-resilient agricultural investments.

By engaging sector experts early in the pipeline development stage, PRDP aims to enhance the quality of subproject proposals and ensure that public investments in the rubber sector translate into meaningful and sustainable rural growth across Mindanao. (Joy M. Montecalvo| Photos by Leonard John Asuque, PSO Mindanao)

08/05/2026

𝗥𝗣𝗖𝗢 𝗫𝗜𝗜 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗡’𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗞𝗔 𝗙𝗠𝗥

In the upland community of Upper Sepaka, Surallah, South Cotabato, a group of residents has taken on a role that goes beyond simply observing a government project. They monitor it, document it, and raise concerns when needed.

From May 5 to 7, 2026, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) XII conducted an assessment of the Citizen’s Monitoring Team (CMT) assigned to the Sitio Lanas–Datal Banate–Buyos–Siop Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) subproject.

Led by the DA-PRDP RPCO XII Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Unit, together with technical staff from the I-BUILD Component and the Geo-Tagging and Governance Unit (GGU), the assessment examined how effectively the community-based monitoring team carried out its responsibilities during project implementation.

Among the areas reviewed were whether the team consistently conducted monitoring activities, the quality of its reports and documentation, and how concerns and findings were communicated to project management, engineers, and the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). The assessment also looked at the team’s participation in meetings and discussions, as well as the challenges affecting the continuity of its operations.

CMTs are organized to give residents a more direct role in overseeing infrastructure projects funded under DA-PRDP. Community members are expected to observe progress on the ground, document issues when necessary, and relay concerns to project authorities.

For DA-PRDP, the process serves a broader purpose beyond compliance and reporting. Officials say community participation helps strengthen transparency and accountability while allowing residents themselves to take part in safeguarding public investments intended to improve rural access and connectivity.

The findings from the assessment are expected to help DA-PRDP improve its approach to community engagement and guide the implementation of future Citizen’s Monitoring Teams in other project areas across the region.

In remote communities where large infrastructure projects can often feel distant from the people they are meant to serve, the CMT model places residents closer to the center of the process, not simply as beneficiaries, but as participants helping to ensure that projects deliver as intended.

✏️ Ian Carbonell
📸 Dyey Daquiado

07/05/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | Two farmers’ organizations in Cotabato Province have received more than ₱20 million worth of DA-PRDP enterprise support to strengthen rubber consolidation, transport, and marketing operations in Kidapawan. Turned over on April 28, 2026 to KAMASI and PARFA, the project aims to help rubber farmers reduce reliance on intermediaries, improve market access, and secure better incomes through more efficient and farmer-led trading operations.

📸✂️ Ian Carbonell

05/05/2026

At the midpoint of PRDP Scale-Up implementation, the Mindanao Cluster moves from reports to results through the 5th World Bank Implementation Support Mission held from April 15–17, 2026. Watch highlights including site visits in Surigao del Sur, featuring the Tuna Consolidation and Marketing with Cold Chain Facilities with MAFFISCO-MPC in Bislig City and the Concreting of Kinabigtasan–Lindoy Farm-to-Market Road with Bridge in Tago—showing how partnerships continue to improve agri-fishery productivity, market access, and rural connectivity for farming and fishing communities across Mindanao.

Thank you to all our partners who helped make this implementation support mission a success!

Click the video link and watch the full feature on our PRDP Mindanao YouTube Channel.

From Reports to Results: Highlights from Mindanao Leg of the 5th World Bank ISM to PRDP Scale-Up

04/05/2026

| In case you missed it, here are the highlights from the activities around the PRDP Scale-Up Mindanao Cluster from April 27-May 1.

Click on the links in the comments below for the stories and don't forget to like, share and follow PRDP Mindanao to be part of the progress in Mindanao.

04/05/2026

𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁, 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼. 🇵🇭✨

There’s no better way to celebrate Filipino Food Month than with a bite of pastillas de leche, soft, creamy, and proudly homegrown. 🥛😋

Made with Happy Cows Milk from Unified Dairy Farm in Polomolok, South Cotabato, each piece carries the freshness and quality of locally sourced ingredients.

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Featured PRDP-assisted cooperative 🐮🥛

𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜-𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 - 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗬 𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗠
Brgy. Maligo, Polomolok, South Cotabato
https://tinyurl.com/p4bc69mn

02/05/2026

Celebrate Filipino Food Month with pastillas de leche—soft, creamy, and proudly homegrown, made with Happy Cow's Milk from Unified Dairy Farm in Polomolok, South Cotabato, highlighting the freshness and quality of locally sourced ingredients.

Watch the full video through the link in the comments. Celebrate Filipino Food Month with this recipe from Tikad - PRDP RPCO XII. Don't forget to like, share and follow PRDP and be part of the progress in Mindanao.

01/05/2026

Today, we honor the hardworking men and women whose dedication helps build stronger communities and better opportunities for our farmers and fisherfolk.

From the fields to the roads, from enterprise sites to project offices, every hand contributes to the progress we continue to grow across Mindanao.

Happy Labor Day from PRDP Mindanao!
Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino!

30/04/2026

𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁, 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼. 🇵🇭✨

There’s no better way to celebrate Filipino Food Month than with a bite of pastillas de leche, soft, creamy, and proudly homegrown. 🥛😋

Made with Happy Cows Milk from Unified Dairy Farm in Polomolok, South Cotabato, each piece carries the freshness and quality of locally sourced ingredients.

_____

Featured PRDP-assisted cooperative 🐮🥛

𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜-𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 - 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗬 𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗠
Brgy. Maligo, Polomolok, South Cotabato
https://tinyurl.com/p4bc69mn

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30/04/2026

𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗨𝗣 𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗔: 𝗗𝗔-𝗣𝗥𝗗𝗣 𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗦

DA-PRDP conducted a Joint Technical Assistance in General Santos City from April 21 to 23, 2026, to assess a proposed ₱26.3 million tilapia enterprise endorsed by the PLGU of South Cotabato for implementation by BARCCO, with its cluster member BFFARMCO handling fingerling production while BARCCO focuses on consolidation and marketing.

The project seeks to strengthen tilapia production systems and improve market access amid persistent challenges such as unstable prices, high input costs, and limited buyers.

With key stakeholders reviewing its viability and implementation design, the initiative is positioned to enhance market linkages, stabilize operations, and expand income opportunities for fisherfolk.

✏️📸✂️ Ian Carbonell
🎨 Dyey Daquiado