ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR (PIA) - The ancestral domain of the Subanen tribe in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, is poised for a transformation in its agricultural sector.

Covering over 20,000 hectares of land, with 66 percent dedicated to agriculture, Dumingag has long been known for its agricultural prowess, cultivating crops ranging from rice and corn to high-value produce like bananas and mangoes.

However, challenges have plagued the farming community, as described by Thimuay Eddie Rosing, a tribal chieftain from Barangay Dulian and a leader of the Peksalabuken Subanen Dumingag Association (PSDA).

"Unang-una nga problema namo ang farm-to-market road. Ikaduha namo nga problema mao ang panginabuhian sama sa pag-uma. Naay basakan ang uban gamay ang tubig so buot pasabot nagkahinganlan ta og irrigation para patubig ngadto sa basakan o gaha sa mga garden sa mga tawo, ug uban pa sigurong panginahanglanon sulod sa ancestral domain," he said.

(Our first problem is the farm-to-market road. Our second problem is livelihood, such as farming. Some areas have small water resources, which means we need irrigation to supply water to the rice fields or the gardens of the people, and other probably needs within the ancestral domain.)

In response to these challenges, the Mindanao Inclusive Agricultural Development Project (MIADP) has emerged as a hope for the farming community of Dumingag. MIADP, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), aims to revitalize agricultural productivity and resilience in selected ancestral domains across Mindanao, including Dumingag.

The second component prioritizes the development of resilient infrastructure, including farm-to-market roads and water supply systems, to improve market access and climate resilience, while Component 3 supports Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) in developing enterprises to enhance productivity and market access. Lastly, Component 4 ensures effective project management, monitoring, and evaluation.

Over the span of six years, from 2023 to 2028, MIADP presents an opportunity for Dumingag's farming community to enter a prosperous new era. Through investments in infrastructure, skill-building, and improved market connections, the project seeks to enable farmers to realize their full capabilities and succeed in a changing agricultural environment.

As Dumingag takes the lead as the pilot location for this initiative, all attention is focused on the municipality as it begins this significant journey toward inclusive agricultural growth. (KSA/RVC/EDT/HTB/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur with reports from MIADP9)