Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte — A critical step toward improving access and mobility within the Ancestral Domain of Lintangan was undertaken as the Component 2 (AD-INFRA) conducted the Field Subproject Appraisal Review (FSAR) and Joint Technical Review (JTR) for the proposed Improvement/Concreting of Sitio Kolibatu (logdeck) to Sitio Binawing Farm-to-Market Road from February 3 to 6, 2026.

Held within the Ancestral Domain of Lintangan in Sibuco, the activity gathered key stakeholders, including Component 2 representatives from the DA-MIADP Project Support Office and RPCO IX, the Local Project Management and Implementing Unit (LPMIU) of Zamboanga del Norte, members of the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS), Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) members from SUCCADAC, and the Municipal Agriculture Office of LGU Sibuco. This FSAR and JTR aims to ensure that the proposed Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) subproject is technically feasible, socially acceptable, and environmentally compliant before implementation.

These validation processes aim to confirm that the infrastructure design responds directly to the needs of Indigenous Cultural Communities while adhering to engineering standards and program safeguards. The activity began with a two-day Field Subproject Appraisal Review, which the technical team conducted an on-site assessment of the proposed road alignment from Sitio Kolibatu to Sitio Binawing.

The FSAR focused on verifying actual ground conditions, assessing engineering designs, reviewing cost estimates, and checking compliance with environmental and social safeguards. This on-the-ground validation ensured that the proposed road improvement is realistic, appropriate, and beneficial to the communities it intends to serve.

Building on the FSAR results, a Joint Technical Review was conducted on the third day through formal presentations of the Feasibility Study, Detailed Engineering Design, and Program of Works. During the JTR, technical comments and required revisions were thoroughly discussed and consolidated.

The Project Support Office presented the JTR findings and recommendations, while the LPMIU of Zamboanga del Norte responded to the raised comments and clarifications.

The review concluded with an agreement on action points and timelines, marking a clear pathway toward refining the subproject documents and preparing the proposal for approval and implementation.

Through the conduct of the FSAR and JTR, DA-MIADP and its partners reaffirm their commitment to delivering infrastructure projects that are not only compliant with technical and safeguard standards, but also aligned with the aspirations of Indigenous communities—ensuring that roads built in ancestral domains truly lead to inclusive growth and sustainable development. #DA9MIADP