The Provincial Government of South Cotabato successfully conducted the groundbreaking ceremony of the Php 1.5 million seed bank cum pasalubong center in Lake Sebu as part of its commitment to the sustainability and conservation of the agro-biodiversity products, traditional crops, and agricultural practices in the locality.
Lake Sebu is one of the pilot sites for the ADB projects under the United Nations – Food and Agriculture Organizations (UN-FAO) and the “Dynamic conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity in traditional agroecosystem of the Philippines” under the Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR).
Mayor Floro Gandam expressed his gratitude to the project as it will significantly help farmers and handicraft makers, especially with the implementation of the “One Town One Product” of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The said project will be used as a multi-purpose building for the Tboli and Ubo farmers, especially from the barangays of Luhib, Lamfugon, Tasiman, Lamkade, and Klubi. At least 3,000 farmers, local entrepreneurs, Tnalak weavers, and traditional handicraft makers will benefit from the said project.
The ceremony was spearheaded by Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., represented by Provincial Agriculturist Raul Teves. Also present were DOT 12 Regional Director Armin Hautea, UN-FAO Program and Training specialist Marlon Makilan, OIC- Provincial Planning and Development Officer Manny Jumilla, Senior Tourism Officer Argie Ryan Asaria, SB members, department heads of LGU Lake sebu, representatives from the academies such as the Sultan Kudarat State University, Mindanao State University, South Cotabato State College, among others.
The project was made possible after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the budget coming from the counterpart on foreign and local assisted and special project funds under the Provincial Planning and Development Office.
