The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), together with its partner Atikha Inc., and the Provincial Government of Agusan Del Sur, conducted a Multistakeholders’ Orientation in the Agusan Del Sur’s Provincial Capitol Training Center on April 10 for the project “Scaling Up Initiatives in Mobilizing Migrant Resources towards Agricultural Development.” Representatives from the provincial development councils, migrant-related NGOs and private sectors, locally-based cooperatives for agriculture and economic development, and other local key stakeholders actively participated during the workshop and discussions.

Agusan Del Sur is one of the sites selected by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for its potential for agricultural and economic development and sustainability through the mobilization of OFW remittances and investments. Atikha initiated its PinoyWise initiative on investments, savings, and entrepreneurship in the province back in 2012. From 2015 onwards, the migration and development projects will be scaled-up with the support of IFAD, to concretely mainstream migration and development in the local development plans of the province.