IFAD Demonstration Visit Highlights RAPID Growth Project Gains in Bukidnon

The RAPID Growth Project welcomed representatives from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and key national government oversight agencies for a two-day demonstration visit in Bukidnon on July 15–16, 2026. The activity showcased the project's major investments and accomplishments in strengthening the coffee value chain, improving market access, and enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

The delegation was led by IFAD Country Director Umit Mansiz, together with Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Joven Z. Balbosa, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Michel Kristian Ablan, and representatives from the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO). They were joined by DTI Region 10 Regional Director Ruel Paclipan, RAPID Project Director and DTI Region 12 Regional Director Flora P. Gabunales, and Deputy RAPID Project Director and DTI Region 11 Regional Director Romeo L. Castañaga.

During the visit, the delegation toured RAPID Growth Project sites in Kaatuan, Lantapan, and Pigtauranan, Pangantucan, where they observed coffee production areas, processing facilities, and enterprise development initiatives. They also engaged with partner Farmers' Organizations (FOs) to witness firsthand how RAPID investments have strengthened rural enterprises, expanded market opportunities, and improved the productivity and incomes of smallholder coffee farmers.

On Day 1, the delegation visited the project sites of the Paglambu LandCARE Kaatuan Cluster (PLKC) and the Palamboon Farmers Association (PFA) in Lantapan, Bukidnon. The visits highlighted the organizations' progress in coffee production, post-harvest processing, and enterprise development through the project's technical assistance, matching grants, and market-oriented interventions.

On Day 2, the demonstration visit featured the Bayanihan Millennium Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BMMPC) and the Kauyagan Savers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KSMPC) as hub organizations, together with their partner spoke organizations: Malinao Imbaniz Pud-ong Farmers Association (MAIMPU FA), New Eden Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NEMUCO), La Roxas Coffee Growers Association (LRCGA), and Kapunungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Kabukiran (KASAMAKA). The delegation observed how the project's hub-and-spoke model has strengthened collaboration among farmers' organizations, enhanced coffee consolidation and processing, and improved access to higher-value markets.

The activity was further enriched by the participation of representatives from the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), Nestlé Philippines, Central Mindanao University (CMU), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, led by Governor Oneil P. Roque, and the Local Government Units of Lantapan, headed by Municipal Mayor Ricky James D. Balansag, and Pangantucan, headed by Municipal Mayor Manolito G. Garces.

Beyond showcasing project accomplishments, the demonstration visit served as a valuable platform for dialogue among development partners, national government oversight agencies, local government units, private sector partners, academic institutions, and farmers' organizations. Discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of stakeholders to sustain the gains of the RAPID Growth Project through stronger partnerships, market-driven approaches, and continued support for inclusive and sustainable rural development in Bukidnon.