Mindanao: The Department of Agriculture's (DA) Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) has received a satisfactory rating from the World Bank (WB) following its Mid-Term Review (MTR) and 6th Implementation Support Mission (ISM), conducted from September 1 to 18.

According to Philippines News Agency, as of August 30, the MIADP reported an approved portfolio of 58 subprojects worth PHP1.69 billion. This includes 34 subprojects under procurement or implementation and two completed subprojects, which comprise one infrastructure and one enterprise. Notably, half of the beneficiary Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) have formalized market or supply agreements, while 41.3 percent of business plans have been approved for funding.

At midterm, the project has successfully strengthened 83 entities, approved 82 subproject concept notes, and translated 19 Ancestral Domain Agricultural Implementation Frameworks (ADAIFs) into viable investments. The World Bank also noted that both the Management Information System (MIS) and grievance management system are fully operational.

In a statement issued on Saturday, project director and DA-Davao Region Director Macario Gonzaga acknowledged the dedication of Indigenous Peoples communities and local government units. "This recognition affirms the dedication of our Indigenous Peoples communities, local government partners, and implementing teams who have worked tirelessly to bring the project from social preparation to large-scale implementation," he said.

The mission also assessed progress toward the Project Development Objective (PDO), reviewed performance since the 5th ISM, and evaluated fiduciary, monitoring and evaluation (M and E), and environmental and social safeguards. Senior Economist and World Bank Task Team Leader Paula Beatrice Macandog emphasized the project's significance, stating, "MIADP remains highly relevant to the development priorities of Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao and is broadly on track to achieve its PDO by project closing."