AGAPIT-BAVA: A National Convergence Initiative (NCI) area in Cagayan

The AGAPIT-BAVA National Convergence Initiative (NCI) area is a multi-agency rural 

development program focused on Northwestern Cagayan Province in Region II (Cagayan Valley), Philippines. The name AGAPIT-BAVA is an acronym formed from the municipalities it covers:

• Abulug

• GAttaran (sometimes included in planning stages)

• Pamplona

• Implied participation (support areas or barangays)

• Taggat (barangay in Claveria, often used symbolically)

• BAllesteros

• VA (from Sta. Praxedes and Sanchez valleys-a low area of land between hills of mountains)

Though acronyms may vary slightly depending on specific LGU naming conventions, the core municipalities included are:

• Abulug

• Pamplona

• Claveria

• Sta. Praxedes

• Sanchez Mira

• Ballesteros

These areas are part of a strategic rural development zone under the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD), a collaboration of:

• Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

• Department of Agriculture (DA)

• Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

• Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

...along with LGUs, SUCs (like Cagayan State University), and other stakeholders. 

 Objectives of AGAPIT-BAVA as a Convergence Area:

1. Sustainable agriculture and agroforestry promotion

2. Integrated natural resource management (forests, uplands, and coastal zones)

3. Infrastructure development (farm-to-market roads, irrigation, bridges)

4. Poverty reduction through support to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), fishers, and upland communities

5. Enterprise development and market linkages

Climate-resilient farming and biodiversity conservation

 Unique Features of AGAPIT-BAVA:

• Coastal and upland ecosystems – The area includes parts of the Cordillera mountain foothills and the Babuyan Channel coast, making it ideal for integrated land-sea planning.

• Diverse livelihoods – From rice and corn farming to fisheries and agroforestry.

Conservation potential – Includes ecotourism and reforestation efforts, especially in Sta. Praxedes and Claveria.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) plays a pivotal role in the AGAPIT-BAVA Convergence Area within Cagayan Province, specifically targeting the municipalities of Abulug, Pamplona, Claveria, Sta. Praxedes, and Sanchez Mira. This initiative, known as Agro-Forestry Abundance and Productivity using Integrated Technologies through Barangay-based Agricultural Ventures and Advancement (AgAPIT-BAVA), is a collaborative effort under the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD).

DAR's Roles and Activities in AGAPIT-BAVA

1. Land Tenure Improvement

   • DAR is responsible for distributing land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), ensuring secure land tenure. This empowers farmers to invest in and sustainably manage their lands, fostering long-term agricultural productivity.

2. Support Services and Infrastructure Development

   • In collaboration with other agencies, DAR facilitates the construction of farm-to-market roads and bridges, enhancing access to markets and reducing transportation costs for farmers. For instance, in Cagayan Valley, DAR allocated ₱263.8 million for infrastructure projects, including a ₱15 million road project in Cagayan. 

3. Capacity Building and Organizational Strengthening

   • DAR provides training programs aimed at enhancing the organizational and technical skills of ARBs. These include financial literacy, bookkeeping, and strategic planning, enabling ARBs to manage their cooperatives effectively and engage in entrepreneurial activities. 

4. Climate Resilience and Farm Mechanization

   • Under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program, DAR has distributed farm machinery and equipment to ARB cooperatives. In Cagayan Valley, five cooperatives received ₱2.039 million worth of machinery, including tractors and hand tractors, to enhance productivity and mitigate climate change impacts. 

5. Market Linkages and Enterprise Development

   • Through the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), DAR connects ARB organizations with institutional buyers, ensuring stable markets for their products. This initiative contributes to food security and poverty reduction in the region.

Collaborative Framework

The success of AGAPIT-BAVA hinges on the synergy between DAR and other government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Local Government Units (LGUs) and academic institutions like Cagayan State University (CSU) also play crucial roles in this convergence initiative. 

This integrated approach aims to address challenges in agriculture and fisheries, promote sustainable natural resource management, conserve biodiversity, and foster community development. By pooling resources and expertise, the AGAPIT-BAVA initiative seeks to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers and ensure sustainable rural development in Cagayan Province.