SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon (PIA)--The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10, through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) program, turned over P613,000 worth of agricultural interventions to the Minole Tigwahanon Manobo Matigsalug Tribe Association (MINTIGMAMATA) of San Fernando, Bukidnon, May 11.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota Madriaga conferred the 'Certificate of Turnover' to MINTIGMAMATA Chair Datu Martin Dagoluan.

The roster of agri-interventions comprises cattle (10 heads), piglets (6 heads), forage seedlings (100 pieces), free-range chicken (2 packets), cacao-certified seedlings (100 pieces), upland rice seeds (8 bags), open-pollinated variety (OPV) white corn seeds (7 bags), and organic fertilizer (35 bags).

Collado said the interventions intend to strengthen the agricultural and livelihood sectors of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and assist their surrounding communities.

"Isip usa ka lumad nga nagbarog sa naghimo og panginabuhian sa tribo, ako nagpasalamat sa DA-10 sa dakong suporta nga gihatag. Kini dako na og tabang sa mga miyembro alang sa pagpanginabuhi matag adlaw," said Datu Dagoluan.

(As an IP advocate for creating sustainable livelihoods within the tribe, I thanked DA-10 for its support. These aids will enhance our members' sustainability)

April Grace Racines, 4Ks focal person, detailed that the project is funded under various banner programs and special projects of the agency, namely: livestock, high-value crops development, rice, corn, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), and Balik-Probinsya Bagong Pagasa (BP2).

The DA, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and other partner organizations developed the 4Ks to advance food security and improve opportunities for the livelihood, welfare, and living standards of tribal people. (DA-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)