Many Talaandig farmers in Talakag, Bukidnon grow good vegetables, but they lack the facilities to process, store, and sell them properly. This limits how much income they can earn from their harvest.
DOST Northern Mindanao, through its provincial office in Bukidnon, is helping Talaandig farmers move toward more sustainable and science-based farming.
On August 4, the team visited Barangay San Miguel to assess sites for a project that will support the Talaandig community in strengthening sustainable agricultural practices. Funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), the project aims to help farmers adopt improved and more sustainable ways of growing vegetables, managing their farms, handling their harvests, and bringing their products to market.
The initiative places sustainability at the heart of the community’s farming efforts, encouraging practices that can improve productivity while making better use of available resources and supporting the long-term livelihood of farmers. As part of the project, a greenhouse, processing facility, and demonstration farm will also be established to provide spaces where farmers can learn, apply, and demonstrate science-based agricultural practices.
On August 11, DOST Northern Mindanao formalized its support by signing an agreement with the Balugto “HOPE” Agroforestry Association, Inc. (BHAAI), the organization representing the participating farmers. Leaders from both sides shared the project’s goals during the signing, followed by an orientation where farmer-members learned more about the initiative and signed their commitment forms.
Through this partnership, Talaandig farmers are taking a step toward a more sustainable future for their farms, where science and innovation can help strengthen their livelihoods while promoting responsible and resilient agricultural practices.