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Xavier Science Foundation project team takes a pose with representatives from government agencies, microfinance institutions and farmer leaders.

By April Lynn Flores and Genadith Lloren Borres

Xavier Science Foundation (XSF) conducted a forum “Invest Now in Northern Mindanao: A Regional Investment Forum on Agriculture” at the Xavier University - Southeast Asian Rural Social Leadership Institute (XU-SEARSOLIN) on April 30, Thursday.

XSF project officer for the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) Renante Salcedo led the activity. He said that the forum aimed at providing the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in the region the knowledge on the agricultural services offered by the different government agencies and linking them to microfinance institutions (MFIs).

The forum was participated in by government offices, MFIs and farmer groups.

XSF executive director Roel R Ravanera said that unity and coordination among the government, MFIs and the farmer leaders is vital toward agricultural progress and economic development.

Chona Lasaca, XSF-ARCCESS project staff talked on project investments and opportunities of agriculture in Region 10, followed by the presentations from the government institutions: Cecille Veloso of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Lourdes P Rudinas of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) director Alfonso P Alamban and Maria Christina Gabia of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Eden Japitana of the Land Bank of the Philippines also shared about government credit services farmer organizations can avail.

An open forum followed after the presentations where the farmers raised questions and clarifications about some government programs.

Farmer leaders presented their business plans to MFIs such as the First Community Cooperative (FICCO), Cooperative Bank of Misamis Oriental, Oro Integrated Cooperative (OIC), Group Inc, and Peace and Equity Foundation.

Most of these MFIs expressed their interest in assisting the farmers in their financial concerns.

XSF is hoping to conduct more forums similar to this to help more farmers in strengthening their respective organizations and to serve as an opportunity for different institutions to collaborate with them for an inclusive economic development particularly in Northern Mindanao.