TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Department of Agriculture- Cordillera (DA-CAR) Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan lauded the indigenous “Lumin-awa” system of the people of Kalinga, during the 30th Foundation Day and the 6th Bodong Festival, which she described as a guiding principle for peace, progress, and a better life.
The practice, deeply embedded in the culture of Kalinga, has been essential in the province’s continued agricultural development. In her message, Director Dawayan highlighted the significant contributions of past and present provincial leaders, as well as the ongoing implementation of major agricultural projects funded through the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP).
She pointed to both the original and subsequent financial allocations, which have amounted to over a billion pesos in investments. “The PRDP Scale-up Project for 2024 and beyond, totaling ₱452 million, is a result of the cooperation and coordination between the executive and legislative branches of government, embodying the ‘Lumin-awa’ principles of governance,” Dawayan said.
Moreover, she also discussed the ongoing and future infrastructure projects aimed at further enhancing Kalinga’s agricultural sector. These include ₱210 million in pipeline projects for farm-to-market roads, communal irrigation systems, warehouses, and potable water systems.
She emphasized that the continued success of these initiatives would require strong collaboration between local government leaders, the Department of Agriculture, barangays, farmers’ groups, and other stakeholders.
“The total approved projects so far include 8 I-BUILD subprojects worth ₱1.3 billion, as well as 3 I-REAP subprojects totaling ₱21.3 million. Altogether, these projects amount to ₱1.4 billion, making Kalinga the largest recipient in the Cordillera region with 28% of the total CAR PRDP projects,” Dawayan noted.
She further projected that Kalinga could secure an additional ₱394 million for regular projects, supported by the province’s role as a key rice supplier to the Cordillera up to Metro Manila, with support from Kalinga’s Congress representative Jessie Mangaoang. Looking forward, the DA aims to further enhance agricultural productivity in Kalinga by focusing on increasing yields of major commodities, expanding production areas, and improving post-harvest systems and infrastructure.
Dawayan also emphasized the importance of upgrading laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities, improving the logistics system, and accelerating digitalization in the sector.
“DA will continue its push for the use of advanced technologies to enhance the agricultural sector. We are committed to mainstreaming regulatory impact assessments, implementing the KADIWA stores nationwide, strengthening research and development, and enhancing credit and insurance programs. Our goal is to deepen engagement with the private sector and ensure the continued growth of Kalinga’s agricultural industry,” she concluded. By JTLlanes
