Claveria, Misamis Oriental---GreenMinds Incorporated and the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) recently conducted a one-day extension activity in Barangay Minalwang, intending to foster a culture of "Paying it Forward" and enhancing partnerships among Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) and the marginalized farming communities of Indigenous Peoples (IP) in Sitio Kalhaan, Barangay Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental. This joint initiative was also part of the center's collaboration with the Sustainable Ecological and Economic Development (SEED) IV program implemented by GreenMinds Inc.
The Indigenous Peoples (IP) farming community of Barangay Minalwang has been a beneficiary of the SEED program initiated by GreenMinds in 2011. Under the leadership of SEED IV Program Director Reynaldo Gil โDatu Makadingdingโ G. Lomarda, the program has provided the community with essential farming knowledge and tools. This includes training in the cultivation of culinary herbs, peanut production (planting every 18 days and has already harvested thrice since planting), and stingless bee beekeeping, aimed at enhancing local agricultural practices and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Barangay Minalwang has historically been a stronghold for rebel groups, which has led to a significant absence of basic social services and limited government intervention due to the persistent insurgency. Nevertheless, the resilience, hope, and optimism of the local community consisting of Higaonons, have played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.
Despite the challenges, a group of volunteers recently visited Minalwang to offer their support and invoke the spirit of "Bayanihan" (a Filipino tradition of communal unity and cooperation). The volunteers of the Rotary Club of Cagayan De Oro represented by Reynaldo Lomarda and Regina Lomarda, pooled their resources and shared their time, skills, and knowledge to contribute to the community's development. The Rotary Club of Cagayan De Oro participated as a partner in the provision of the potable water system, highlighting the collaborative efforts in enhancing community resources.
โDako kaayo ni nga tabang dere sa among barangay kay dili na maghago ug kuha among mga kauban dere ug tubig sa layo kay pina-agi sa gripo na man dayon ang pagkuha ug tubig (This is a big help here in our barangay since the community residents will not exert effort to get water from far flung areas, since storing water through faucets would be our means in getting a dayโs supply of waterโ, Donald Migpanol, the communityโs coordinator of the water system installation said.
The day's activities included a ceremonial turnover of various materials essential for community development, such as construction materials and a provision of materials for their potable water system (Level II), distribution of educational materials and resources for students enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), while also benefiting both the local community and the school, turnover of agricultural implements including a supply of tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to support local farming efforts.
Meanwhile, a harvest and buy-back initiative for various herbs consisting of fresh oregano, thyme, lemon balm, rosemary, and tarragon transpired to promote local agriculture and sustainable practices, enhancing the livelihood of the Higaonon tribe. Kalhaan Kabahiyanan Association President Maria Tenila L. Pina-andel led the women farmers to harvest and sell their herbs.
The Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) participating in this initiative included Umanika Eco-Cultural Farm, Anpa's Farm, and Ilaya Farm. The extension activity held on August 23 aimed to deliver immediate assistance to the community while fostering collaboration among various stakeholders dedicated to sustainable development and the empowerment of indigenous farming communities in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.
The intervention of GreenMinds Incorporated and ATI in equipping the farming community of Barangay Minalwang with farming knowledge and agripreneurial skills made their living conditions a lot better. Sustainable agriculture and food entrepreneurship have emerged as crucial avenues for income generation and empowerment within the Higaonon community.
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