Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro – The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) GEF 6 Biodiversity Corridor Project Team traveled to Occidental Mindoro from May 4 to 8, 2026, to conduct the farm layout activity in Sitio Pambuhan, Abra de Ilog, as part of the establishment of a Sustainable Land Management Exemplar Site (SLMES) under the Component 3.2 of DENR-UNDP/GEF Biodiversity Corridor Project (BD Corridor Project).
The initiative aims to promote sustainable farming practices, improve land productivity, and support biodiversity conservation in upland and sloping areas of Occidental Mindoro. The activity was participated in by personnel from the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), officers of the Neighborhood Association Shelter Assistance (NASA), and six Indigenous People (IP) farmers from the Iraya Tribe. The DA–BSWM team personally and hands-on led the farm layout on the ground, ensuring proper technical guidance and accurate field implementation of the planned design. The active support and collaboration of the LGU and the farmers were crucial in the actual field activities, as their participation facilitated smooth coordination, local ownership, and effective on-site execution of the sustainable land management interventions.
One of the major activities conducted was the creation and calibration of an A-frame. The A-frame is a simple yet essential tool used to identify natural contour lines on sloping land. Establishing contour lines is important in sustainable land management because it helps reduce soil erosion and supports efficient farm planning. Through contour-based planting, farmers can better conserve soil while improving land productivity.
Prior to the farm layout activity, the DA-BSWM team assessed the site’s topography and existing conditions and compared these with the prepared farm development plan for Sitio Pambuhan. The development plan incorporated appropriate planting arrangements for fruit-bearing trees based on the slope and terrain characteristics of the area to ensure proper land use and long-term crop establishment.
DA-BSWM personnel assess the project site using the topographic map before conducting the farm layout
The proposed planting materials for the SLMES include jackfruit, cashew, calamansi, and banana. These crops were carefully selected to establish a diversified cropping system suitable for upland conditions. The integration of various fruit-bearing crops is expected to improve soil stability, increase vegetation cover, and enhance soil fertility. In the long term, the diversified farming system will also contribute to biodiversity enhancement within the landscape.
With the active participation of Indigenous People and local government personnel, the farm layout activity was successfully completed, marking an important milestone in establishing the SLMES in Occidental Mindoro. The initiative also strengthened collaboration among stakeholders in promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity-friendly practices in the area.
DA-BSWM personnel and members of NASA identify contour lines using the A-frame during the farm layout activity.
This initiative is part of the DENR-UNDP/GEF project on “Integrated Approach in the Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines” or BD Corridor Project, which seeks to operationalize integrated management of biodiversity corridors to generate multiple benefits, including effective conservation of globally threatened species and high conservation value forests, reduce deforestation and degradation, and enhance local biodiversity-friendly livelihoods.
The project is implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Environment Facility. 🌱🧑🌾
