Undersecretary Cheryl Marie N. Caballero of DA-HVCDP met with RIC National President Atty. Mabel Villarica Mamba and BARMM Regional President Nairah Didato on January 5, 2026. Usec. Caballero discussed the HVCDP’s bold initiatives to strengthen the local food systems, recognizing RICs as the oldest organization in the country who are now the key players to drive the success of the Gulayan Sa Bayan (GSB) Project.

The GSB Project aims to boost local food production in 1,370 sites nationwide by establishing community vegetable gardens and nurseries that yield high-quality planting materials through the innovative Japanese grafting method providing livelihood opportunities for mothers, youth, senior citizens and other local organizations.

 

Usec. Caballero assured the inclusion of BARMM in the GSB Project by tapping into current partnership projects with UP Los Baños’ Institute of Plant Breeding specific to BARMM.

RIC National President Atty. Mabel Villarica Mamba with the support of the Agricultural Training Institute, will update the list of active chapters across all regions nationwide for its inclusion in the 2026 GSB Anchor Group beneficiaries and partners.

Usec. Caballero also pointed that the HVCDP has ongoing talks with various religious organizations to be active partners for on-the-ground monitoring to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the GSB.