The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Center for Asian Mission for the Poor Asia (CAMP Asia), led a field visit to key durian farming sites in Davao City to highlight the tangible gains of their ongoing agricultural development initiative.
MinDA officials, together with KOICA and CAMP Asia representatives, assessed the progress of cooperative strengthening, organic fertilizer trials, technical training, and the piloting of frozen durian production and branding strategies.
The visit to Brgy. Manuel Guianga in Tugbok District and Brgy. Wangan in Calinan District marked a significant milestone in the project “Sustainable Agricultural Environment Establishment through Durian Producer Cooperative Organization in Mindanao, Philippines (2023–2025).”
Local farmers shared how the project has improved their productivity, reduced input costs, and expanded market access.
MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno has earlier emphasized that direct engagement with farming communities is essential to ensuring that development efforts translate into meaningful impact.
“This visit affirms our commitment to building a globally competitive durian industry while uplifting the lives of Mindanao’s farmers,” he said during the courtesy visit of KOICA to MinDA last September 8, 2025.
KOICA Philippines Country Director Jung Young Sun expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress and reiterated KOICA’s support for initiatives that promote inclusive growth and environmental sustainability. CAMP Asia also noted growing interest from other durian-producing areas to replicate the model.
The field visit reflects MinDA’s proactive role in driving agricultural innovation and resilience, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision to modernize Philippine agriculture and unlock the potential of rural communities.
It supports the Marcos administration’s thrust to strengthen international cooperation as a tool for inclusive development and food security.
The initiative also contributes aligns with President Marcos’ commitment to rural transformation and regional equity.
As the project enters its final implementation year, MinDA remains steadfast in its mission to deliver transformative results as part of its Building a Better Mindanao campaign. (MinDA)
