IPDI Embarks on an Exposure on the Fundamentals of DIFS

Motivated by the aspiration to upgrade its knowledge and adeptness on Sustainable Agriculture, Ruth Manansala and Romina Enopia, Project Officers of IPDI Davao Office embarked on an exposure program on the fundamentals and hands-on experience of MASIPAG Mindanao in the field of organic farming and Diversified Integrated Farming System (DIFS). The two project officers were joined by two more participants from the San Luis Lumad Community High School (SLLCHS), a tribal school based in Agusan del Sur and supported by DKA/KFB. As part of the program support of DKA/KFB, the school has cultivated and developed a 7-hectare farm to augment their need particularly on the food supply of the students.

The exposure program lasted for four (4) days in June 12-15, 2011 at the 15-hectare lot of MASIPAG Biodiversity Center located at Brgy. Maluko, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Basically, the said program focused on the orientation of MASIPAG’s history, vision-mission, goals and program. An agricultural situationer on green revolution, genetically modified organisms and globalization were likewise discussed.

Furthermore, the context of Sustainable Agriculture composed of its seven dimensions, systems view of life and laws of nature as well as the different models of sustainable agriculture was also given emphasis. Livestock conservation such as the concept and practices of genepooling and genepool establishment were part of the inputs. Practically, those inputs were complimented with ample hands-on activities like foliar-making, weeding, identification of the different varieties of rice, poultry and other livestock production and land cultivation. Vegetable and rootcrops production were likewise included as part of the learning process.

The four-day activity at the MASIPAG Biodiversity Center presented an ideal picture of a Diversified Integrated Farming System (DIFS). The IPDI Davao Office Project Officers as well as the SLLCHS participants left the center hopeful with the learnings and experiences acquired through the generous support of MASIPAG. The Project Officers have spread the same knowledge to the other project partners. In fact, the rest of the DKA/KFB partners particularly from Davao del Sur and Saranggani province have already conducted an exposure together with their farmer-partners, while, the others signified their interest and are already in constant coordination with MASIPAG for their future visit. Meanwhile, the SLLCHS participants have already applied it in the development of their own farm. The said initiative did not only offer a sound learning experience process but it also fostered amity and cooperation among project partners in the field of development work.

The MASIPAG Biodiversity Center in Bukidnon has also become a preferred and renowned exposure site for other project partners and farmers from the other regions of Mindanao as well.