By Nova Mae Francas
A CITY councilor passed a resolution enacting an ordinance to materialize a sisterhood agreement and agricultural exchange program between Davao City and Gunsan City, South Korea.
Councilor Marissa Abella, committee on agriculture chairman passed the resolution during suspended rules of the 20th city council’s 16th regular session on Tuesday, April 30.
“The sisterhood agreement and establishment of agricultural exchange is beneficial to both cities to share exceptional and best practices,” the resolution reads.
The agreement will maximize efforts toward promoting agricultural sustainability through people-to-people interaction.
Abella shared during the Aprubado sa Konseho on Tuesday that the research project conducted by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Sirib, Manuel Guianga, Tamayong, Wangan in Calinan District is ongoing.
“The KOICA partnered with the Mindanao Development Authority to do a research on the practice of regenerative agriculture,” Abella said.
Regenerative agriculture is a process that reverses the effects of climate change by improving soil fertility, biodiversity, climate resilience, and resources for more profitable farming.
Abella added the partnership will hopefully open an opportunity for Korea to open their market for durian produce from the city.
“If the ambassador will push for that and the quality of our Durians will pass the Korean standards, then another country will be added to our durian market, so that will be a big opportunity for our farmers,” she added.
The program aims to assist the city’s durian farmers in increasing harvest through value-chain training for possible exports to South Korea.
KOICA and MINDA, along with the International Center for Asian Mission for the Poor, inked the partnership last March 2023 with a total funding of $1.3 million for three years.
With reports from Erica Angel Monday, Michael Estornino/ UM Interns
