Corn Project, Farm-to-Market Road Boost Subanen Livelihood in Zamboanga del Sur Town

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Subanen Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur received a boost with the turnover of a P3.7-million corn production enterprise facility and the construction of a farm-to-market (FMR) road. Two of the six enterprise packages were turned over on Tuesday to the Peksalabken Subanen Dumingag Association (PSDA). The project, funded by the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) of the Department of Agriculture, aims to uplift the livelihood of Subanen IPs in the town. According to Dumingag Mayor Joan Catherine Reyes, the FMR road in Barangay Sominot is a "game-changer" for the farmers in the area as it will help them transport their produce faster and at a lower cost. "This will help them sell their products at a better price and at the same time, it will also help them to have more income," Reyes said. The corn production enterprise facility, on the other hand, will help the farmers improve their yield and quality of corn. "With this facility, they will be able to process their corn and sell it at a higher price," Reyes added. The Subanen IPs in Dumingag have been relying on farming for their livelihood, but they have been facing challenges due to poor infrastructure and lack of access to markets. The project is expected to address these challenges and help the Subanen IPs become more self-sufficient. Meanwhile, the PRDP is also implementing similar projects in other parts of the country to support rural communities and promote inclusive growth.