From October 1–4, 2024, the M3DAS team conducted a high-priority field mission to the Bukidnon Mill District to lay the groundwork for Phase 3 operations. This visit focused on fostering institutional synergy and capturing direct insights from the local farming community.
Institutional Coordination
To ensure administrative alignment and robust regional support, the team paid courtesy visits to key agricultural leadership offices, including:
Department of Agriculture (DA) – Regional Field Office 10
Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office
DA – Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Bukidnon
These high-level meetings were instrumental in strengthening multi-agency collaboration, ensuring that the M3DAS project’s objectives harmonize with local agricultural development initiatives.
Stakeholder Consultations
Beyond institutional visits, the team prioritized grassroots engagement by facilitating a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). These sessions provided a platform for local sugarcane farmers to share their perspectives on mechanization challenges and opportunities. Key participating organizations included:
Silangan Escaño Workers Multipurpose Association
Minsalerac Farmer’s Livelihood Association
Bukidnon Mill District Development Foundation
By integrating institutional support with direct feedback from farmers’ organizations, the M3DAS team is ensuring that the path toward mechanization in Bukidnon is both collaborative and stakeholder-driven.
Audio Credits: Happy Cows by J.F. Gloss from Epidemic Sound
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