VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) hosted the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program’s nationwide training on crop selection, diversification, agroforestry, and permaculture for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from October 20 to 24, 2025

Participated in by IP representatives from 13 regions across the country, the weeklong training sought to establish sustainable and resilient agricultural systems while integrating and preserving indigenous knowledge within modern farming practices.

Participants learned the core principles of agroforestry, which combines trees, crops, and livestock for productivity and ecological balance, and permaculture, which promotes biodiversity, minimal waste, and the optimal use of local resources. These approaches empower IP farmers to conceptualize and apply layered, biodiverse farming systems within their ancestral domains.

Serving as resource speaker was Dr. Agustin R. Mercado Jr., a renowned scientist specializing in multi-strata intensive cropping systems with high carbon sequestration capacity. He shared practical techniques on Sustainable Land Management (SLM), Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT), and key principles of soil and water conservation for sloping terrains.

A highlight of the five-day training was a field visit to Dr. Mercado’s farm, where participants observed multi-strata farming techniques firsthand, including the intercropping of cacao trees with vanilla.

Led by 4K Deputy Program Director Ronald C. Pamittan, the training emphasized the program’s thrust to strengthen collaboration among IP communities and technical experts in developing farming systems that uphold ecological balance and long-term sustainability.

By building the capacity of IP farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity, the initiative aims to empower Indigenous communities to maximize available government programs and support.

This effort aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, equal opportunities, and stronger partnerships with IP farmers nationwide. (MAC/melbmadera)