4KS FOSTERS IPS GROWTH THROUGH AGRICULTURE

To ensure that no one gets left behind, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga has taken upon its arm to include the indigenous peoples (IPs) in its quest for agricultural development through the 4Ks program. The Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo or 4 Ks is a new special project of the DA in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Generally, it aims to develop the ancestral domains of the indigenous cultural communities (ICCs)/IPs in order to improve productivity by developing sustainable agricultural enterprises and profitability by increasing their income in consideration with their customs, traditions, values, beliefs, and interests.

The program provides assistance to the ICCs/IPs

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

in the form of agricultural and fishery-related livelihood opportunities, investments, and various support services through targeted community needs assessments (CNA).

On March 23 to 25, a Cultural Sensitivity Training and Technical Briefing was conducted among DA personnel involved in the program implementation.

DA-Caraga’s 4Ks focal person Edelmira R. Luminarias emphasized the significance of being aware of the IPs’ culture and rights. “It is important that we know about their culture and rights to have a better understanding of their needs and be able to provide the appropriate interventions,” she said.

Meanwhile, Girlie E. Patagan of the NCIP - Surigao del Norte Provincial Office said that cultural sensitivity begins with recognizing cultural differences between people. Atty. Victor Marc Bernal, the Legal Officer of the NCIP - Surigao del Norte Provincial Office stressed that along with cultural sensitivity, it is important to conduct the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) before implementing a project in a certain ancestral domain to ensure that the community is aware and in agreement with the said project. “This way, the agency is secure and the IPs are also protected,” he said. In Caraga, there are currently 26 approved Certificate of Ancestral Domains Title (CADT) that spans in 639,000 hectares. This year, there are eight proposed projects which include corn, rice, vegetable, abaca and banana production, as well as Chicken Multiplier Project and Goat Multiplier Project. (DA 13-RAFIS/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)