USTP, NBSC, Gov’t Agencies partner to advance Agriculture, Food Security in NorMin
By Anne Lorraine R. Sitoy, USTP System STRATCOMM
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), represented by University System President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, has joined forces with Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) and several government agencies to implement the Metropolitan Food and Agri-based Products Cluster (MFAPC) approach, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing agriculture and fishery sector efficiency while addressing food security in Northern Mindanao.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) formalizing the partnership was signed on November 18, 2024. The MFAPC strategy aligns with the Northern Mindanao Climate Disaster and Risk-Sensitive Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP) 2013-2040 (2015 Update) and the Regional Development Plans (RDP) for 2017-2022 and 2023-2028.
Collaborative Efforts for Regional Development
The initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture – Region X (DA-X), which identified MFAPC as a key program to catalyze agricultural productivity, sustainability, and economic growth in the region. Originating from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, the MFAPC concept integrates agricultural and food-related activities within metropolitan regions to achieve these goals.
DA-X designated NBSC as the primary partner institution for conducting the MFAPC feasibility study. To support the study, NBSC, NEDA-X, and DA-X convened on April 11, 2024, to engage various state universities and colleges (SUCs), national government agencies (NGAs), and regional line agencies (RLAs).
The Regional Development Council (RDC-X) endorsed the initiative through Resolution No. 49, s. 2024 calling for the support of SUCs, NGAs, local government units, and private sector organizations in implementing the MFAPC feasibility study.
Additional partners include NEDA-X, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-X), National Irrigation Administration (NIA-X), Department of Science and Technology (DOST-X), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-X), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-X), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT-X), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-X), Central Mindanao University (CMU), Mindanao State University (MSU) at Naawan, Bukidnon State University (BukSU), Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC), and Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST).
USTP’s Key Contributions
Under the MOA, USTP committed to supporting the project by designing key facilities, including Agro Parks (AP), Rural Transformation Centers (RTC), and Consolidation Centers (CC), tailored for each identified location.
USTP will deploy a team of technical experts in architecture, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering to develop design options for these facilities. The University will also designate focal personnel to oversee project activities, ensuring the delivery of outputs adheres to the agreement.
The project represents a collaborative milestone in Northern Mindanao’s efforts to strengthen regional agriculture and fishery sectors while bolstering food security for future generations.
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