Sustainable Upland Development: A Replicable Model

The SUD Model is a strategy to ensure sustainable management of the upland resource base and improve the living standards of the communities who derive most of their income from upland farming.

It encompasses six key schemes namely: 1) Land-Use Based Barangay Development Planning; 2) Agricultural Extension for Promoting Diversified Farming; 3) Barangay Forest Protection; 4) Labor-Based Routine Road Maintenance for Barangay Roads; 5) Rural Financial Services; and, 5) Upland Village Enterprise Development.

The Model is based on the seven-years of experience with UDP implementation in 144 upland barangays in Southern Mindanao. It encompasses a forward-looking scenario whereby development efforts with upland communities are led by the LGUs particularly the municipal and barangay. Private financial institutions such as rural banks and credit cooperatives and private sector entities for marketing of upland produce, also play key roles in the model.

Camiguin: Island Born of Fire

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Topic #1: 'NPA not threat to mining, but NGOs'

THE presence of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in mineral-rich areas in Davao Region is not a threat to mining companies operating in these areas. Instead, an official of an aggrupation of mining firms tagged non-government organizations, advocating for the protection of the environment, as the ones that make "our knees shiver."