In preparing themselves for the proposed sub-project for the Cycle 3 of the Mindanao Trust Fund-Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP), local community organization of Barangay Pilar, South Upi in Maguindanao- one of the project site of the project implemented by Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) underwent field exposure on nursery management on August 26, 2014 at Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBLRC), Mount Carmel, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

Three (3) key officers of Pro-Tribal Community Organization of Brgy. Pilar were exposed to 19 hectare demonstration farm of the MBLRC. The center established in 1971 is known for its advocacy of sustainable farming methods.

Purpose of the activity is to expose PO members of farming techniques and system adopted in the said farm, learn new technologies and making use of resources available in their specific farming locations.

Among the techniques introduced and discussed to them was the SALT or Sloping Agricultural Land Technology, one of the most popular sustainable farming schemes that teach on how to farm hilly land without losing the topsoil.

Upi in Maguindanao is known for its mountainous geographic features. For the PO members joining the field exposure, the technique is very appropriate for them to adopt also in their community.

During the field exposure, the participants also learned the SALT2 or the Small Agro-Livestock Technology. It is about integration of SALT system into livestock farming.

Ian C. Ogatis, Training Coordinator of MBLRC also briefed the participants of the history of the Center. He related to them how the Center came into existence and emphasized the importance of preserving the traditional or organic farming techniques especially of using available resources.

While briefing, the participants were exposed to the various activities and scenes in the farm such as gardens of plants and seeds, livestock products, concrete structure of nursery, vermi cast, tilapia culture, poultry, and goat raising.

Through this exposure, the PO members were able to see and learn new technologies thus encouraging them more to proceed with their planned project of putting up of nursery in their community at Brgy. Pilar.

The barangay is a recipient of post-harvest facilities from Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 of the MTF-RDP. The PO of the barangay is now gearing up for another Cycle of implementing and managing sub-project which is on nursery farming.

Joining the PO members during the filed exposure were program staff of BDA at Central Mindanao Region under MTF program together with some interns at Community and Family Services International (CFSI).

CFSI is among the program partners of BDA in the implementation of MTF-RDP.

MTFRDP is supported by various donors such as the European Union (EU), DFAT Australia (then AusAID), Canadian International Development Agency, New Zealand Aid for International Development, Sweden International Development Agency, United States Aid for International Development and the World Bank.