NextGen Day

The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Calabarzon Region is actively promoting food security and developing livelihood opportunities for indigenous peoples (IP) groups.

In an interview on Wednesday, Antonio Zara, the DA’s regional focal person for the “Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo” or 4K program, shared the aspiration for “our indigenous people to have sufficient food” as part of the DA’s broader goal of achieving food sufficiency nationwide.

The 4K program was established in response to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to support IPs.

Zara highlighted that studies have shown the neglect faced by IPs in the country.

“While farmers and fisherfolks are considered marginalized, the poverty experienced by indigenous people is even more significant due to their remote locations, often in mountains that are challenging to access with government assistance,” explained Zara.

The pilot project was initially conducted in Tanay town, Rizal province, involving 11 indigenous groups. It was later expanded to Antipolo City and Montalban town, also in Rizal.

Zara revealed that the program has also been extended to IP groups in the province of Quezon, particularly in the towns of General Nakar, Real, and Catanauan.

The program focuses on serving the indigenous Dumagats, Remontados, and Aetas.

“In the early stages, we provided vegetable seeds and tools. Even if they couldn’t produce a large quantity, they could at least secure their own food. Now, they are selling their produce to other towns,” shared Zara.

“We also provided them with a carabao since tractors are not feasible in their mountainous areas. Additionally, we produce wood vinegar as organic insecticides and fertilizer. Our approach is centered around organic and natural farming to preserve nature,” he added.

Zara explained that there are certain requirements for IP groups to avail themselves of the program’s benefits.

“They must reside within the ancestral domain and their association should be recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). They must also be willing to accept our program, particularly the technologies we provide while respecting their traditional knowledge,” he said.

Zara expressed his office’s appreciation for the IP groups located in Geographically Isolated Depressed Areas (GIDA) within the region.

“Visiting their communities presents significant challenges. It gives me a sense of fulfillment to be able to provide assistance because, according to them, we were the first government agency to extend help to them,” Zara said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the NCIP as a valuable partner in implementing the program. 🌾🏞️

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