As the implementation of the Community Development in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (CD-CAAM) project extension phase continues, the first stakeholders’ workshop was conducted for its agricultural sector on June 17, 2015 at Crystal Inn Hotel, Iligan City.

Purpose of the activity is to review the pilot implementation of the project particularly on the said sector and to present the CD-CAAM extension phase.

Engr. Aida M. Silongan, CD-CAAM program management officer welcomed the team through a message of thanks to all stakeholders who put their best effort during the previous implementation of the project.

“We are now in another journey of CD-CAAM and we are grateful for the continuous support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) and resource organizations to the BDA. Let us all pray for another success of this project and let us help each other to build the Bangsamoro for its brighter future,” she added.

Accordingly, the focus for agricultural sector for the current phase of the project is Training of Trainers (TOT) mechanism and Farmer-to-Farmer (FTF) approach.

Mr. Shingo Furuichi, Japanese expert on agriculture, presented the mechanism of the TOT and FTF approach where he discussed guidelines for FTF extension, actors and days to spend for TOT through FTF planning, series of technical training under FTF extension and the proposed plan for in-direct support to Tawi-Tawi Island.

After further explanation, proper workshop was followed as to the formulation of the work plan long with the identified responsible person in-charge. Through the process, all stakeholders learned how to strategize their work plan and production initiatives.

The workshop was participated by key staff from BDA Central Management Office (CMO), regional management offices (RMOs) Ranaw and Central Mindanao, representatives from local government units (LGUs) of Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao and Matungao, Lanao del Norte, resource persons from the academe of UPI Agricultural School (UAS), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), members of people’s organization, and representatives from ICNet Limited, the service provider of the project.

Agriculture is among the three sector of CD-CAAM along with fishery and its new sector on livestock. It focuses on vegetable production as part of the advocacy on the promotion of vegetable production and marketing.

CD-CAAM is implemented by BDA supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).