Cotabato City, Philippines – The collaborative project “Support to Agriculture and Agribusiness Enterprises in Mindanao for Sustainable Development” concluded its successful five-year run with a celebratory Project Learning Exit Conference on 20 June 2024. This significant event, held at the Pagana Convention Hall, marked the culmination of efforts led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of the Bangsamoro government. The project was generously funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The conference provided a comprehensive review of the project’s implementation, discussing both its successes and the lessons learned. Participants engaged in discussions about the future direction of sustainable agricultural development in Mindanao, aiming to build on the foundations laid by the FAO-KOICA initiative.
In addition to these discussions, the event served as a platform to honor the contributions of key project partners. Plaques of Recognition were awarded to organizations and individuals whose support was crucial to the project’s achievements. Among the honorees was Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), which played a pivotal role as a training venue for community-based organizations supported by the project. The university’s involvement was instrumental in providing essential training and resources to empower local communities.
Dr. Rodelyn Dalayap and Mr. Cyril John A. Domingo from SKSU were present at the conference. Dr. Dalayap delivered a heartfelt three-minute speech, highlighting the successful partnership between SKSU and the FAO-KOICA project. Her address emphasized the importance of academic collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals and praised the project’s impact on the local communities.
The FAO-KOICA project has made notable strides in promoting sustainable agriculture and agribusiness in Mindanao. The insights and experiences shared during the Project Learning Exit Conference are expected to enhance future initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development in the region. As the project officially closes on 30 June 2024, the legacy of its contributions will continue to benefit the people of Mindanao for years to come.
