17 May 2023 – Good Neighbors International Philippines strengthened its partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Laak for the implementation of the special project on “Banana Nursery and Tissue Culture Laboratory” through a Memorandum of Agreement Signing on May 17, 2023.

GNIP has been present in Laak, Davao de Oro for 10 years since Typhoon Pablo, and this MOA Signing for the project on Banana Nursery and Tissue Culture Laboratory would further strengthen the programs for the communities in Laak, Davao de Oro.

Laak is rich in Banana and most of the farmer’s produce are Banana, Cacao, and Coconut. This inspires and encourages us to help the farmers in the community to have better and more sustainable production.

The project aims to establish a Research and Development laboratory for the Banana Tissue Culture. This also aims to address food security and climate challenges through the establishment of an enhanced Climate Smart Field School on Banana Production. This project will undertake and integrate the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social, climate-smart agriculture, and environmental aspects.

The MOA was signed by Laak Municipal Mayor, Hon. Antonio Libuangan, and GNIP Country Director Mr. Jae Choon Lee together with the Municipal Councilor on Agriculture, Hon. Luchay Limlao, and Ms. Visitacion Apostol, Senior Economic Manager of GNIP.

“Our dream is to make Laak, famous for good quality bananas. This is our dream. With this, I believe all the community members will get the benefit, and eventually the children of community members, they can have a dream, not only for agriculture but other things, eventually we can see the benefit of development in the community, and we are very thankful for the support of this program and let’s continue the partnership,” GNIP Country Director Jae Choon Lee expressed during the ceremonial signing.

This project is also in collaboration with the Davao de Oro Provincial Agriculturist Office  (PAGRO) and Davao de Oro State College (DdOSC). They will provide technical expertise and assistance on the research and development that will help and support farmers in producing a variety of bananas that are tolerant to diseases and resilient to climate change. 

Moreover, this will further advance the welfare of the farmers as the most vulnerable yet very important sector in the province of Laak.