EMPOWERING IP FARMERS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING

MOA signing between NBSC and the Centre for Climate Change Research - Canada for the implementation of Project KABILIN+

Tankulan, Manolo Fortich – A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony was held on September 29, 2025, to formally launch Project KABILIN+: Kaabin sa Kinadaan, Kabuhat sa Kabilin (Project Heritage+: Partnerships in Tradition, Transforming Inheritance). The initiative is a collaboration between Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) and the Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) in Toronto, Canada.

 

Organic Farming for Forest Conservation and Community Livelihood

The research initiative builds on Project MOCHA (Management of Coffee, Honey, and Adlai), spearheaded by Project Leader Melven I. Valmoria. Project KABILIN+ aims to empower Indigenous Peoples (IP) farmers and forest-dependent communities by introducing modern organic farming technologies that support sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, and livelihood development for the Lumad community.

Currently, the lack of integrated management strategies for indigenous products reduces profitability and contributes to deforestation, threatening biodiversity. To address this, four pilot sites were identified—Barangays Kalugmanan, Lindaban, Guilang-guilang, and Santiago—based on their agricultural land potential, established production operations, and capacity for growth.

 

Strengthening Project KABILIN+ Through Partnership

Agricultural support to farmers is the third priority under the 10-Point Agenda of Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño. In line with this, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich, through the Municipal Agriculture Office headed by Municipal Agriculturist Gemma G. Cania, pledged strong support for the project.

The partnership enhances sustainability and effectiveness through research-driven innovations. Dr. Azizur Rahman, CCCR Research Lead and President/CEO of A.R. Environmental Solution (ARES), presented the benefits of organic farming—including improved health, higher yields, and environmental preservation.

“Our scientific plan, we [are] gonna eliminate all kinds of synthetic chemicals, all kinds of pesticides on the field. We’re gonna introduce organic chemicals, different kinds of organic chemicals that you can use. Why [do] people get sick? Because of food. You will get sick if there is something wrong with your food, like the synthetic chemical applied to crops and fruits,” Dr. Rahman emphasized.

He also showcased ARES technologies designed for changing climate conditions, adaptable to local cultural practices. Since his arrival on September 25, Dr. Rahman has been engaging with communities to better understand the agricultural and cultural landscapes of the project’s focus areas.

 

NBSC’s Commitment to Sustainable Development through the leadership of Dr. Christie Jean Villanueva-Ganiera

The delegation from NBSC was composed of:

• Dr. Mary Koren Witting-Acuesa, Director of Research, Development, and Innovation Division

• Alven L. Gomez, Director of Community Extension Services Division

• Melven I. Valmoria, Project Leader

• Maria Michaela Jamora, Head of International and External Linkages Office

• Rowena Bagongon, Director of Student Affairs Services and Development

Their participation highlights NBSC’s strong commitment to advancing education, research, and community development.

 

A New Era of Farming for Indigenous Communities

The integration of traditional practices with sustainable, research-based farming techniques is expected to uplift the socio-economic well-being of IP farmers. More than just improving agricultural outputs, Project KABILIN+ seeks to establish a new era of farming in Manolo Fortich—one that safeguards cultural heritage while advancing environmental sustainability.