Davao: The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) announced on Thursday the recent launch of the second phase of the durian development project in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and CAMP Asia, Inc.

According to Philippines News Agency, the project, 'Income Enhancement of Farmers through Strengthening a Sustainable Agricultural Environment in Mindanao, Philippines (2026-2028),' aims to improve farming systems, strengthen cooperatives, and expand market opportunities for producers of durian and other tropical crops in Mindanao.

In a statement, DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga reaffirmed the agency's commitment to sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, stressing the need to transform farming into a market-driven enterprise. 'Our goal is to shift the mindset from farming as mere production to farming as a business. By strengthening cooperatives and creating hubs of excellence, we ensure that the value-added remains in the hands of the farmers,' he said.

A key highlight of the May 12 launch was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) among MinDA, CAMP Asia, and DA-11, formalizing collaboration on project implementation, policy, support, market linkages, monitoring, and coordination under the Transformational Enterprise Support for the Agribusiness Value-Chains of Mindanao (Team) program.

MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno emphasized the initiative's role in strengthening farmers' resilience and promoting long-term sustainability. 'This project is more than an agricultural intervention. It is an investment in the resilience of our farmers, the sustainability of our communities, and the long-term strength of Mindanao's food systems,' he said.

Meanwhile, CAMP Asia Country Director Buyoung Cho noted that the next three years will focus on deepening project impact and creating more sustainable opportunities for farming communities, particularly through the Davao Mt. Apo Farmers Agriculture Cooperative.