Secretary William D. Dar instructed all Regional Executive Directors (REDs) of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs) to start putting up programs and projects for the development of communities of the Indigenous People (IP).

“I am instructing all the Regional Directors to start a serious effort for the development of IP communities,” Dar said on September 17, 2019 during the last leg of his Mindanao engagement that started in Davao and ended in Butuan City.

In line with his most recent marching order, the agri chief instructed all REDs to start profiling communities, with regard to the potentials of the area for agribusiness purposes.

“We will open up opportunities for the IPs. Maluwang ang kanilang mga ekta-ektaryang sakahan, tulungan natin silang gawin itong enterprise,” he said.

Dar announced that he has invited big business companies abroad to engage in local investments in IP communities. The IPs will just have to prepare and submit to DA project proposals for funding.

He added that DA will provide technical assistance to help the tribesmen prepare the documents needed. ### (Adora Rodriguez, DA-AFID)