GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA)—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Misamis Oriental and the Local Government of Gingoog City held the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing for the implementation of GIVEtoGROW: Vegetable Production and Processing project.

Led by Gingoog City mayor Erick G. Cañosa and DOST Provincial Director Junelyn Lovena Ruiz, the project aims to develop the city’s agricultural capabilities especially among Indigenous People’s (IP) and farmers in Barangay San Luis, a far-flung IP community in Gingoog.

With a budget of P1,235,776, the funds will be used for the acquisition of equipment, building materials, and other necessities needed for the establishment of Mushroom Production and Vegetable Processing hubs.

The Holy Family Farm Workers Association (HFFMA) in Barangay San Luis along with the Indigenous People Agriculture and Natural Organic Farmers Association (IPANOFA) will benefit from the capacity building and livelihood project.

With the support of DOST-MisOr, the associations will undergo training, laboratory testing, and packaging and labeling assistance to better market and prepare its products in the market.

Cañosa said the LGU of Gingoog is pleased with the project as it will provide an opportunity for 40 IP families and 29 farm workers in their far-flung communities to have sustainable livelihood assistance. (VPSB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)