Ateneo Davao backs MinDA programs

DAVAO CITY — The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) expressed its support for the programs of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) through aid in research and development.

Fr. Joel Tabora SJ, president of AdDU, made the commitment of support in research and field works on the various advocacies and programs of the agency, as cited in a press statement released by MinDA on Saturday.

The pledge of support was made in a weekend forum held in the university after MinDA presented their programs particularly in addressing poverty, improving productivity, achieving lasting peace in Mindanao, and the institutionalization of the MinDA Tienda.

MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, who graced the event, said the forum is aimed at teaching the youth on how they could participate and help in building Mindanao into a peaceful and progressive island.

Among the programs which Tabora said that AdDU will support are the MinDA Tienda, Green Mindanao and the MinDA Water.

“MinDA Tienda aims to organize agriculture and fisheries stakeholders into a “corporative” which will own and operate outlets for goods needed in the rural communities to be sold at lower prices,” Piñol said.

The MinDA Tienda serves as a marketing instrument for farmers and fisherfolk to protect them from profiteers.

“Since the MinDA Tienda project is a work in progress, AdDU volunteered its College of Economics in fine-tuning the concept,” Piñol said.

On the other hand, he added that Tabora and the students expressed keen interest in collaborating with MinDA in the implementation of the Green Mindanao Project, which will introduce tree farming in critical watershed areas, and MinDA Water which aims to provide solar-powered irrigation and water systems in villages in Mindanao.

“Next week, the Memorandum of Agreement on the partnership and collaboration between Ateneo de Davao University and MinDA is expected to be signed,” he added.

He also said that planning experts and technical staff of MinDA will start an orientation program for students and members of the faculty on the details of various programs of the agency.

“Students and faculty members will be asked to contribute their ideas on how to make the programs more effective and successful,” he said.