Author: AsiaDHRRA-KM

Joint publication in Empowering Women and Youth in Responsible Agricultural Investment (RAI) published

A joint publication between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO)  and AsiaDHRRA is now published and available online. Titled “Empowering women and youth to engage in responsible agricultural investment in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations” is an outcome of years of collaboration and partnership in supporting Women and Youth through […]

Project inception workshop on global agricultural and food security program organized in Tanzania

AsiaDHRRA joined the project inception workshop on the Global Agricultural and Food Security Program (GAFSP) from September 23 to 25, 2025, in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The workshop supports GASFP in strengthening its partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs) and producers’ organizations (POs) and is attended by civil society consortium representatives from Africa, Asia, Latin […]

Financial monitoring and coaching with rural people’s organization in South Upi

AsiaDHRRA conducted a financial monitoring workshop on September 18-19, 2025, with rural people’s organizations (RPOs) in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur. The gathering focused on organizational background and financial topics, with discussions on credit policies, loans, savings, and capital build-up. It was led by AsiaDHRRA’s Ms. Lorna David, Finance Manager, and Marvin Soro, Senior Project […]

Strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration to eliminate the severe forms of child labor in agriculture in the BARMM

AsiaDHRRA, in coordination with the Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), organized a workshop, “Converging for Children: Multi-Stakeholder Action to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child   Labor in Agricultural Communities in BARMM,” on September 18, 2025, in Cotabato City.  Joined by representatives and stakeholders from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ministries, Municipal Local Government […]

From Survival to Scale: Sustaining Farmer’s Organizations in the Value Chain

Peace and Equity Foundation, together with AsiaDHRRA, co-organized an online forum on September 17 to reflect on the journey of farmer organizations (FOs) and cooperatives in sustaining and scaling their enterprises. AsiaDHRRA presented the FO4A project experience and its challenges in reaching scale, shared summative insights, and synthesized the key lessons. Key takeaways include: Small and struggling […]

Accounting and financial capacity building workshops organized for Cambodian agricultural community

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) organized a workshop to build the capacities of the agricultural community in Kampong Chhnang province on September 11-12, 2025. Conducted at the Prime Food Institute, the activity was designed to equip the participants with the skills to register accounts and promote financial principles […]

Local visits with smallholder farmers documenting stories of change on digital agriculture conducted in Vietnam

AsiaDHRRA’s Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) Project team, in coordination with the Viet Nam Farmer’s Union (VNFU), organized collaborative meetings and site visits on September 11-13, 2025, in Hanoi and Bac Ninh province of Vietnam.  The activities involved a project review with stakeholders and documentation of stories of change with smallholder farmers regarding […]

AsiaDHRRA organized the 44th Executive Committee Regular Meeting and 2026-2030 Strategic Action Planning

AsiaDHRRA organized its 44th Executive Meeting and Strategic Action Planning (SAP) on September 8-9, 2025, in Quezon City, Philippines. It was joined by members of the executive committee and the secretariat’s administrative, finance, and program managers. The meeting assessed the organization’s strategic directions and reviewed regional development contexts aligned with the rural communities’ recent challenges, […]

Productive coaching and knowledge exchange among rural people’s organization conducted in Davao del Norte

AsiaDHRRA and its project partner, Kaanib Foundation Inc., conducted a series of coaching sessions and knowledge sharing on business propositions with rural people’s organizations (RPOs) and young rural youth organizations (YRYOs) leaders from the municipalities of Asuncion and Kapalong, Davao del Norte, on August 31 and September 1, 2025. Business propositions from RPOs with their […]

Policy advocacy workshop to eliminate child labor conducted with stakeholders in Davao del Norte and Bukidnon

AsiaDHRRA and its implementing partner, Kaanib Foundation Inc., conducted a policy advocacy convergence workshop on August 27-29, 2025, in Asuncion and Kapalong in Davao del Norte and San Fernando in Bukidnon. The activity was joined by representatives from the local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations, and provincial line agencies, which aim to promote multisectoral […]

A regional forum to strengthen the socio-cultural awareness and engagement among stakeholders in the ASEAN conducted in Malaysia

AsiaDHRRA participated in the “Regional Forum to Deepen Stakeholder Awareness and Engagement on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Strategic Plan” organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on August 19, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur and via video conference.  Secretary-General Ms. Marlene Ramirez joined the panel discussion on “Reinventing Cooperation and Partnership in the […]

Second webinar on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (RDPE) in ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Ministry of Rural Development of Cambodia, focal point to the Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE), in collaboration with the Resilience Development Institute (RDI) organized the second webinar on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (RDPE) on August 15, 2025 with the theme […]

Institutionalizing child-responsive budgeting for local governments launched in the Philippines

AsiaDHRRA joined a ceremonial signing to institutionalize child-responsive budgeting for local government through the official launch of the Child Budget and Expenditure Tagging and Tracking (CBETT) on August 14, 2025, in Quezon City.  The project is supported by the European Union (EU) in partnership with UNICEF. It will be implemented by the Council for the […]

Strategic planning and celebrating 50th year anniversary conducted in Indonesia

Bina Desa, or the Indonesian Secretariat for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (InDHRRA), organized its Strategic Planning and 50th anniversary celebration on August 2-4, 2025, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The event was an important opportunity to plan and work on Bina Desa’s directions for the next five years, supporting rural communities. Joined by […]

Regional event to foster dialogue on family farming, innovation and sustainable development organized in Nepal

AsiaDHRRA participated in Family Farming Regional Platform Inter-Regional Dialogues organized on August 12-14, 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal.  With a theme “Family Farming and Inclusive Rural Transformation: innovations for sustainable development in a climate change context”, AsiaDHRRA, represented by the Secretary-General, Ms. Marlene Ramirez, contributed to a thematic table on Rural Communication Services implications for the […]

Study tour and learning exchange conducted in farming communities in Cambodia

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) conducted a study visit on contract agriculture and modern farming communities in the Battambang and Siem Reap provinces from July 28 to 31, 2025.  The activity responds to CamboDHRRA’s thematic programs on Mekong Region Land Governance (MRLG) Phase III initiative and ACRE […]

Participation in the country’s first Young Farmers Camp and Agri-lympics

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) has coordinated and supported the young farmers’ participation in Cambodia’s first Young Farmers Camp and Agri-lympics (YFCA)  organized on July 23-25, 2025, in Prek Leap National Institute of Agricultural, Phnom Penh.  With the theme “Strengthening Cambodia Youth Farmers’ Network for Sustainable Rural […]

Open Government Partnership (OGP) localization initiative kick-started in the Philippines

The Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA) has commenced the documentation process of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) localization project on July 21, 2025, at Plaridel, Bulacan.  Welcomed by the officials of LGU in Plaridel, PhilDHRRA’s National Coordinator, Ms. Katlea Itong, led a discussion highlighting the project’s objective, adhering […]

Workshop on finalizing investment and investment promotion plan on coconut and abaca value chain in Lanao del Norte

AsiaDHRRA organized a two-day workshop and coaching sessions with the Lanao del Norte Provincial Government Technical Working Group in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, on July 21-22, 2025. The event, attended by the trained Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs) officials, finalized the local government’s Provincial Gender and Conflict-Sensitive, Environmentally Sustainable Investments and Investment Promotion Plan (GAIIPP) […]

Agriculture, forest and rural development annual meeting organized in Lao PDR

The Annual Meeting of the Sector Working Group on Forestry, Agriculture and Rural Development (CSWG-FARD) Technical Group was conducted on July 16, 2025, in Vangvieng district, Vientiane, and joined by stakeholders from the agriculture academe and civil society organizations in the country.  Presided and under the chairmanship of Mr. Thongdam Phonphichit, and head of the […]

A workshop enhancing the understanding and effective practices and implementation of contract farming conducted in Cambodia

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) organized a workshop on “Intellectual Support Document for Reduction and Resolving Disputes in Contract Agricultural Production Practices in Cambodia” on July 8, 2025, in Phnom Penh. The activity is under the framework of Mekong Territory Land Governance Project Phase 3. It aimed to […]

Regional workshop on translating policy to action on agroecology organized in Indonesia

AsiaDHRRA participated in the Regional Lao facilitated Initiative on Agroecology (LICA) Workshop on Agroecology Transitions: From Plans to Implementation on July 12, 2025, Tangeran, Selatan, Indonesia. Ms. Marlene Ramirez, Secretary-General, delivered a presentation on “Translating policy to action: Lessons from the ASEAN Master Plan on Rural Development and recommendations for LICA” during the event that aims […]

Digital knowledge and marketing in agriculture workshops for Cambodian farmers organized

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Asia (CamboDHRRA) conducted trainings on Digital Literacy and Online Marketing for members of agricultural cooperatives in the provinces of Kampong Chhang and Takeo in Cambodia in June 2025.  There were 22 women farmers from Anchanh Roung Samaythmei Agricultural Cooperative in Boribo District, Kampong Chhang, […]

Training of Trainers for young farmers on leadership and strengthened community action

AsiaDHRRA, in coordination with ThaiDHRRA, organized a Training for Trainers workshop on July 3-6, 2025, in Maha Sarakham province in Thailand. Khun Supawadee Petrat, ThaiDHRRA Executive Director, welcomed participants in person and shared her hope that this training will renew youth interest in agriculture and influence better agricultural policies in Thailand and across the region. […]

Workshop on finalizing sustainable investment and investment promotion plans with local governments in Mindanao

AsiaDHRRA, a service provider for the project “Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas” (SPADe), conducts a culminating workshop on Gender and Conflict-Sensitive and Climate-Smart Investment and Investment Promotion Planning (GAIIPP) from June 25-28, 2025, in Davao City.  The gathering serves as a space for the trained Provincial Local Government Units […]

Advancing agricultural digital and innovation skills of farming leaders in Cambodia

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) organized a coordination meeting on June 20, 2025, with Udom Surya Agricultural Community’s Board of Directors in Tram Bok district, province of Takeo.  The activity has trained farmer leaders’ capacity on digital knowledge to advance environmentally driven farming practices. The activities have […]

IFAD’s supervision visit to farmers’ organization in the Philippines

AsiaDHRRA and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) visited the Matulatula Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MarCCO) on June 24, 2025, in Pola, Oriental Mindoro.  Led by the Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) project team, Ms. Karmela Trillanes and Mr. Aaron Balatucan, the visit is part of IFAD’s Supervision and Implementation Support (SIS) […]

Government and civil society organizations annual meet in Lao PDR

The Lao Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (LaoDHRRA) attended the country’s Annual Meeting Between the Government and Civil Society Organizations held on June 18-19, 2025, in Vientiane. The event presented the project contributions and accomplishments that the government and CSOs completed based on good practices and coordination. The conference conducted […]

Sustainability pathway and co-design workshops for farmers organizations conducted in Thailand

AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General, Ms. Marlene Ramirez, participated in the Scaling-up and Sustainability of farmers’ organizations (FOs) and FO4Impact Co-Design workshops organized on June 16-19, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.  Hosted by the Federation of Thai Fisherfolk Association (FTFA), the workshop highlighted commercialization concepts, assessment tools, and legal structure, supporting farmers’ organization planning and decision-making.  Additionally, the event […]

Supervision mission on digital agriculture initiative in the Philippines

AsiaDHRRA welcomed Mr. Sangho Park, Senior Programme Specialist, from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for a supervision visit on June 20, 2025, at the secretariat office in Quezon City.  Joined by Ms. Genesis Catindig-Reyes, IFAD’s Country Program Analyst in the Philippines, and Ms. Katlea Itong, PhilDHRRA’s National Coordinator, the brief meeting discussed the […]

The challenges and role of women’s leadership in Cambodia’s contract farming practices highlighted

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas participated in a consultative workshop on Gender Dimensions in Contract Farming organized by Oxfam Cambodia on 17 June 2025 in Phnom Penh.  CamboDHRRA presented the barriers to women farmers, who represent 50% of agricultural labor in the country’s expanding contract farming.  The team […]

Information dissemination activity on lawful use of land and resources in Lao PDR

The Lao Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Asia (LaoDHRRA), in coordination with the Public Information and Awareness Services for Vulnerable Communities in Lao PDR Project (PIASVC), conducted a field visit to update and monitor project implementation in three villages in Phaxay District of Xieng Khouang Province, Lao PDR on June 3-5, 2025.  The […]

Empowering young rural youth organization leaders to eliminate child labor in agriculture

AsiaDHRRA, in coordination with Kaanib Foundation Inc. and Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), conducted a training on Youth Leadership and Facilitation to Young Rural Youth Organization (YRYO) leaders and beneficiaries of the RISE-UP Project, implemented in the provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur.  The workshop’s theme, “Kabataang May Tinig, May Gawa: Namumuno, […]

Partnership and community team meeting organized in Cambodia

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) organized a collaborative meeting with the agricultural community and agri-business partners on May 30, 2025, in Phnom Penh. The meeting gathered participants from civil society organizations, cooperatives, and the private sector in the agricultural community to discuss activities concerning projects, stakeholders, and […]

Joint implementation meeting on deforestation-free product initiative in Lao PDR

A meeting to implement the EU Deforestation-Free Product Management Regulation (EUDR) and disseminate the role of Home and Forestry Management Board’s regulations was organized on May 21-22, 2025.  AsiaDHRRA’s partner, the Lao Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (LaoDHRRA), joined the project’s stakeholders, the APLPlusLaos, and the Lao Civil Society Organization […]

Monitoring and coaching on livelihood funds to eliminate child labor in agriculture

AsiaDHRRA and its implementing partner, Kaanib Foundation Inc., conduct a series of Financial Support to Third Parties (FTSP) workshops for eight rural people’s organizations (RPOs) from May 27-30, 2025, in Tagum, Davao del Norte.  The activity is part of the RISE-UP Project’s initiative to monitor and coach livelihood funds that focus on improving households’ social […]

Strengthening rural livelihoods in Cambodia through evidence-based action

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA), in partnership with OREDA (Occupation of Rural Economic Development and Agriculture) and KADRA (Khmer Angka for Development of Rural Areas), recently conducted a comprehensive survey of 298 farming households in Kampot, Svay Rieng, and Prey Veng provinces. The study is part of […]

Consultation meeting on regulating deforestation and forest degradation-free products in Vientiane

The Lao Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas Association (LaoDHRRA), AsiaDHRRA’s member network, joined several Lao Civil Society Organization Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (Lao CSO FLEGT) members for a consultation meeting on the implementation of the EU Regulation on Deforestation and Forest Degradation-Free (EUDR) products on 8 May 2025 in Vientiane, Lao […]

First webinar on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication in ASEAN

On May 16, 2025, the ASEAN Secretariat’s  Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE), the Philippine’s National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), AsiaDHRRA, the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), and Resilience Development Initiative (RDI) co-organized the first webinar on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (RDPE) in ASEAN.  Joined by over 100 participants from the […]

Agri-agencies and farmers organizations’ General Assembly in Canada

AgriCord, in coordination with its agri-agency partner in Canada, UPA Développement International (UPADI), hosted a General Assembly in Bromont, Canada, from 12 to 16 May 2025. Joined by AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General, Marlene Ramirez, AgriCord’s agri-agency representatives, and Farmers’ Organizations (FO), the gathering has served the alliance’s commitment to participatory governance and collaborative decision-making to strengthen solidarity […]

Training of trainers on digital transformation in agriculture and agricultural cooperatives in Bac Giang Province, Vietnam

The Vietnam Farmers’ Union (VNFU) supported by AsiaDHRRA’s Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) Project, has conducted a series of training on digital transformation in agriculture and agricultural cooperatives in Hiep Hoa (May 7-8, 2025), Son Dong (May 9-10, 2025), and Luc Ngan (May 11-12, 2025, including Chu town) districts in Bac Giang province. […]

Agribusiness design workshop for women conducted in Cambodia

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) organized the “Women in Agribusiness Roadmap Design Workshop” on 12–13 May 2025 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  The two-day strategic dialogue event was praised as a decisive step for women in agribusiness. It was joined by the Women in Agribusiness Network (WAN), a […]

Provincial workshop to enhance the capacities of Cambodian agricultural cooperatives in contract farming

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) participated and supported the Cambodian Agriculture Cooperative Alliance (CACA) in conducting a provincial workshop on “Disseminating Guiding Principles and Practices on Contract Farming to Agricultural Cooperatives,” held on 8 May 2025 in Kampong Chhnang Province. The event gathered agricultural cooperatives, civil society […]

Public discussion on Blue Revolution: Opportunity or Disaster – Case Study of Jeneponto Regency

Bina Desa and the Sipitangarri Women Fishers Group (KPNS) held a live online open discussion on the findings based on Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) on April 28, 2025. The Jeneponto District in South Sulawesi is one of the locations for Blue Economy development; hence, a shift in marine governance has seriously impacted coastal communities, […]

AsiaDHRRA joined the Labor Day celebration

AsiaDHRRA and Kaanib Foundation Inc. joined an event organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) commemorating the 123rd Labor Day on May 1, 2025, at Robinsons, Valencia, Bukidnon.  Ms. Marlene Ramirez, AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General, expressed the organization’s support in the fight against child labor by synergizing its partnership with Kaanib Foundation Inc., in the […]

Courtesy visit and livelihood roll-out to a local municipality

AsiaDHRRA and the Kaanib Foundation Inc. paid a courtesy visit to the office of the municipal Mayor of San Fernando, Bukidnon, on April 30, 2025, and were welcomed by Alvin Dumangsil, manager of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). The brief discussion revolved around the recent RISE-Up project on Eliminating Child Labor (ECL) in Agriculture […]

Human-Centered Design workshop for farmers’ organization on digital agriculture

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) hosted a Human-Centered Design (HCD) workshop on April 28-29, 2025, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  The training was joined by 29 farmer participants from 11 agritech startups and supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food […]

Youth camp and awareness campaign to eliminate child labor in agriculture

AsiaDHRRA’s RISE-Up project has conducted a Youth Camp Training of Trainers (ToT) in coordination with its partner organizations, the Kaanib Foundation and Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), on April 27-29, 2025, at San Fernando Eco-Park, San Fernando, Bukidnon.  The training has empowered young rural youth participants and representatives from Rural People’s Organizations (RPOs) from the municipalities […]

Supervision and implementation support mission conducted by IFAD

AsiaDHRRA and the Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) welcomed a delegation from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for a Supervision and Implementation Support (SIS) mission on April 24-25, 2025, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  The purpose of the visit is to review and discuss the progress of […]

Empowering youth, strengthening cooperatives, and building the future

AsiaDHRRA participated in the AgriCOOPh Federation’s 2nd Leaders Congress and 7th Annual General Assembly (AGAM), which was held on April 24-26, 2025, in Cebu City, Philippines. The theme was “Uniting Cooperatives for a Better World: Contributing to Food Security and Climate Resiliency.” AsiaDHRRA’s Program Manager, Luz Blanco, participated in a Social Inclusivity and Climate Action […]

Awareness discussion on child labor at farmers’ association

AsiaDHRRA joined a general assembly organized by the Lugawon River Farmers’ Association in San Fernando, Bukidnon, on April 24, 2025, in San Fernando, Bukidnon. RISE-UP project’s MEAL Officer, Mr. Wilbert Omega, met with the association – a strong and committed member and discussed the project’s objectives and awareness of child labor. The meeting had the […]

Enrichment Seminar on Food Sovereignty for Rural Youth

Bina Desa organized a discussion on Food Sovereignty for Rural Youth on March 20, 2025, via an online webinar.  Amid the food crisis and climate change, food sovereignty is key to a self-reliant, sustainable future, and the rural youth play a strategic role in preserving and strengthening community-based food systems.  Thus, it is necessary to […]

Participation in an agricultural forum and startup expo in Cambodia

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) participated in the Cambodia and Agriculture Forum and Expo 2025 (CAFÉ25) held from 7 to 8 April 2025 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The event was led by Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and supported by the Food and Agriculture […]

Partnership meeting to promote sustainable organic rubber price chain in Cambodia

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) organized a Multilateral Partnership Meeting (MAP/MSP) on 28-29 March 2025 in PNT Palace, Tbong Khmom Province.  The project is under” Strengthening Multilateral Partnership in Cambodia to Promote Sustainable Price Chain for Natural Rubber (SMART),” supported by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Germany and joined by […]

Exchange visit on contract farming implementation in Cambodia

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) supported the exchange visit on “Implementation of Contract Farming” organized by the Farmer and Nature Net Association (FNN) on 7-9 April 2025 in Preah Vihear Province. Under the Mekong Region Land Governance Phase 3 (MRLG Phase 3), the event has created a […]

A week-long gathering advocating agroecology organized in Vietnam

AsiaDHRRA participated in the Annual Members Forum Meeting and ASSET Regional Multistakeholder Workshop on ASEAN Policy Guidelines on Agroecology Transitions co-organized by the Agroecology TPP, ASSET Project, Asian Farmers Association (AFA), and supported by Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.  The gathering was held on 31 March – 4 April […]

A review of findings to eliminate child labor in agriculture with the social services ministry in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

AsiaDHRRA and the Community Organizers Multiversity’s (COM) final collaborative meeting in BARMM was conducted with the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) on March 21, 2025.  The RISE-UP project team briefly presented the objectives, recent findings, target beneficiaries, particularly the people’s organizations, youth, and farmers, and the importance of multistakeholder partnerships and entrepreneurship to […]

Discussion on eliminating child labor with the agriculture and education ministers in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

AsiaDHRRA, PhilDHRRA, and the Community Organizers Multiversity’s (COM) second mission in BARMM was organized through a series of meetings with the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and the Basic Higher Technical Education (MBHTE) on March 20, 2025. The meeting with MAFAR under Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, PhD, has presented the RISE-UP Project’s […]

Project coordination committee meeting in promoting rural development and agricultural policy framework

A project board meeting and steering committee review and planning was organized by the World Rural Forum (WRF) on March 19-20, 2025, in Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain.  The gathering was participated by six WRF members from different continents under the ACRE project, namely the Asian Farmers’ Association (AFA), AsiaDHRRA, The Confederation of Family Producer Organizations of […]

Collaborative meeting on eliminating child labor with the labor ministry, women and youth commissions in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

AsiaDHRRA, PhilDHRRA, and Community Organizers Multiversity (COM) visited the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), and the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) on March 19, 2025, in Cotabato City for an initial discussion on the Elimination of Child Labor (ECL)in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The meeting brought […]

Agricultural livelihood project for youth concluded in eastern province of Lao PDR

The Lao Association for Human Resource Development in Rural Areas (LaoDHRRA) participated in the annual meeting and conclusion of the project promoting youth in agriculture to livelihood on March 12, 2025, in the eastern province of Houphanh, Lao PDR.  LaoDHRRA’s Vice President, Mr. BounKeua Vongsalath and his officials, participated in the meeting organized at the […]

Discussion on natural farming and advocacy consolidation

From 18 to 20 February 2025, Komunitas Swabina Pedesaan Salassae or Salassae Self-reliant Rural Community (KSPS) together with the Natural Farming Advocacy Network of Bulukumba District called the Natural Farming Discussion and Advocacy Consolidation facilitated by Bina Desa. This activity is not just a meeting of farmers but a fundamental step to strengthen the movement […]

Rural youth’s advocacy on digital campaigns through social media

Ciasihan, Bogor, on February 19-21, was filled with the spirit of rural young people. The meeting is not just a light chat under the shady tree or discussion about the upcoming harvest but about something more significant – how the digital world can be a tool for their movement.  For three days, rural youth participants […]

Enhancing smallholder readiness and compliance for forest risk commodity regulations

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA), through the support of Mekong Regional and Land Governance (MRLG), facilitated the participation of smallholder and Women and Agribusiness Network (WAN) during the regional workshop on “Enhancing Smallholder Readiness and Compliance for Forest Risk Commodity Regulations” organized by RECOFTC on February 19-20, […]

A forum supporting rural returnees and strengthening the grassroot economy in Thailand’s northeast region

Through its Local Lab project, the Association for Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas, Thailand (ThaiDHRRA) organized a forum for prototype space experience, presentation, recommendations, and policies for returning workers in the northeastern region of Thailand. Conducted on 3 March 2025 at the College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham province, the initiative serves […]

Project Advisory Meeting on Digital Agriculture

AsiaDHRRA, in coordination with CamboDHRRA, organized a regional Project Advisory Meeting for its Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) Project on 27 February 2025 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Participated by its regional and national project teams and advisory working groups, the meeting was convened to ensure and support the project’s implementation and mobilization of […]

Digital learning with farmers organization in Cambodia

AsiaDHRRA’s Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) Project team and CamboDHRRA organized a two-day workshop on basic digital literacy and digital marketing with farmers’ organizations on 24-25 February 2025.  Organized in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the event gathered and capacitated participants from selected agricultural cooperatives on the functionalities of mobile phone usage, online navigation, and […]

Training of trainers on digital agriculture with farmers’ organization in the south

A joint effort between AsiaDHRRA and PhilDHRRA to capacitate farmers’ organizations on basic digital and financial literacy was conducted on 19 February 2025 in Mapua, Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.  Members of Kabangasan-Mapua-Dahilig Arc Cooperative (KAMADA Arc Coop) participated in the workshop, which AsiaDHRRA’s Smallholder Economic Empowerment supported through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) project. The learnings highlighted an […]

LaoDHRRA’s monitoring and evaluation cooperation in agricultural and livestock production

Starting in February 2025, the Lao Association for Human Resource Development in Rural Areas (LaoDHRRA) and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s advisor visited the eastern province of Houaphanh for monitoring and evaluation activities.  The team cooperated with Ban Kang and Ban Tham, Samnuea District farmers, for their agricultural and livestock production and provided them […]

Scaling-up farmers’ digital and financial literacy organized by Farmers’ Organization

Farmers’ Organization Matulatula Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MARCCO) conducted a Basic Digital and Financial Literacy workshop with their cluster farmers members on 18 February 2025 in Victoria, Mindoro Oriental. The activity is part of a series of MARCCO’s cascading workshops to capacitate their farmers on basic smartphone functions to navigate the web, application use, and […]

Grow Asia Partners’ Advisory Council Meeting

GrowAsia conducted its Partners’ Advisory Council meeting on February 13, 2025, via Zoom and Co-Chaired by Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn of the ASEAN Secretariat and Ms. Marlene Ramirez, AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General. The gathering discussed the rapid transformation of the development funding landscape and the increasing financing demand for climate resilience, food security, and sustainable agriculture.  It also […]

Jaringan Perempuan Pedesaan Nusantara (Nusantara Rural Women Network) Advocacy Education

In 2023, at the JPP Nusantara (Nusantara Rural Women Network) working meeting, female cadres expressed great hope for more substantial support and recognition from women’s organizations at the village level. These hopes also included increased funding, fairer regulation, and policies that actually support farmers and fishers. However, behind that hope, the women cadres of JPP […]

Rural School (Sekolah Pedesaan/SEPEDA)

At the beginning of 2024, Bina Desa started accompanying women fishers of Jeneponto District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, through the initiative of Rural School or Sekolah Pedesaan (SEPEDA). Rural School is a non-formal education program that aims to empower rural communities profoundly and comprehensively. SEPEDA exists as a living-learning space for women fishers, not just a […]

CamboDHRRA organized its 4th General Assembly

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) successfully conducted its 4th General Assembly on February 4. 2025, at Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh.  The event served as a crucial platform for members and partners to reflect, strategize, and collaborate. It was attended by 30 participants from its Board of Directors, […]

Multilateral Partnership Meeting (MAP) to promote sustainable organic rubber price chain

CamboDHRRA organized a Multilateral Partnership Meeting (MAP) to promote the Sustainable Natural Rubber Price Chain Month on January 16, 2025, at PNT Palace Hotel, Tbong Khmom Province.   The meeting aimed to Increase cooperation between the public, private, and manufacturing sectors and civil society to promote the family rubber price chain in Tbong Khmom province. Consultating […]

Advocacy planning workshop to eliminate child labor in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur

A follow-up activity on collaborative advocacy planning workshop to eliminate child labor was conducted by the RISE-UP Project with Rural People’s Organization (RPOs) and Farmers Organization (FOs) on January 28-29, 2025, in Hanjin Compound, South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur.  Child labor in rural areas of the Philippines, particularly in agricultural settings, remains a significant issue.  […]

AsiaDHRRA’s Musyawarah visit with DHRRA Malaysia

AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General, Ms. Marlene Ramirez, HR-OD consultant, Ms. Arlynn Contreras, and Program Manager, Mr. Affan Firmansyah, conducted a Musyawarah visit with its partner DHRRA in the network, DHRRA Malaysia, at Petaling Jaya on January 23- 25, 2025.  The call aims to foster stronger relationships and strengthen collective efforts towards achieving the network’s strategic direction through […]

Collaborative advocacy planning workshop eliminating child labor in Davao del Norte

The RISE-UP Project organized an advocacy planning workshop in Balay Silangan, Tagum City, on January 24, 2025, and participated by rural people’s organizations (RPOs) of Kapalong and Asuncion, Davao del Norte.  The activities aimed to empower the community to take ownership of child labor issues and work towards practical and sustainable solutions by involving relevant […]

Calibrating results, recognizing achievements, and re/shaping regional strategic plans

The AsiaDHRRA secretariat convened its annual assessment and planning to evaluate the network’s program and project results based on Strategic Action Plan (SAP) 2021-2025.  The objective of the yearly activity is to assess the accomplished work versus the targets, respond to gaps, and define strategies contributing to the realization of SAP. Focusing on the most […]

Strengthening agricultural innovation systems – The DeSIRA CONNECT Days Asia & Pacific

From January 14 to 16, 2025, stakeholders from diverse groups and backgrounds gathered in Hanoi, Vietnam, to foster collaboration, share insights, and create policies at the DeSIRA CONNECT Days Asia & the Pacific. The event served as a venue to unite various actors to strengthen agricultural innovation systems and promote sustainable practices in the region. […]

Consultation on reviewing and enhancing gender, conflict-sensitive and climate-smart investment promotion plans

AsiaDHRRA, a service provider supporting the SPADe project, conducted a coaching workshop on 13 January 2025 with members of Lanao del Norte province’s Local Economic and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO) and Technical Working Group (TWG).  The consultation is a follow-up from the previous capacity-building workshops conducted from 18 to 22 November 2024 for the TWG […]

Project advisory consultation for a renewed and heightened goals to eliminate child labor

Halfway through its project timeline, the RISE-UP Project convened the members of its advisory group on 9 January 2025 at Star Hotel, Davao City, to generate technical guidance and insights, sharpen strategies, and provide new perspectives to the remaining plans and targets.  The first part of the gathering highlighted the accomplishments of the first year […]

Comprehensive midterm review of learning, commitments, and renewed collaboration to eliminate child labor

AsiaDHRRA and its partners organized an Internal Midterm Review and Assessment for the RISE-UP Project on January 8-9, 2025, at Star Hotel, Davao City.  The initiative has reached significant milestones since its inception in February 2024, which includes capacity-building activities (Training of Trainers), stakeholder mapping, advocacy initiatives, and profiling of over 1,600 cases of child […]

Second batch of capacitating farmers on basic digital literacy and financial training

AsiaDHRRA’s Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) Project and PhilDHRRA jointly conducted the second batch on capacitating Farmers’ Organization (FOs) from Batu Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAFAMCO) and Coalition of Municipal Fisherfolk Associations (COMFAS) in Zamboanga, Sibugay on 14-15 December 2024.  The two-day workshop covered learnings on basic digital literacy and financial training for farming, […]

Learning workshop on business plan preparation to eliminate child labor

AsiaDHRRA, in collaboration with its partner organizations, conducted training on Rural People’s Organizations’ (RPOs) business plan preparation for the livelihood grant facility on 9-11 December 2024.  The three-day workshop took place in San Fernando, Bukidnon, and participated by two RPOs each from the municipalities of Kapalong and Asuncion in Davao del Norte, from San Fernando, […]

Capacitating farmers on basic digital literacy and financial training

Day 1: AsiaDHRRA’s Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) Project conducted a two-day workshop on capacitating member farmers of Matulatula Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MARCCO) on 9-10 December 2024 at Pola, Oriental Mindoro.  The first day of the workshop focused on essential functions and understanding using smartphones, operating systems, applications, and best practices for […]

Counting the gains and assessing challenges on RUML’s second year

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) team conducted its second Annual Assessment at the Partnership Center, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, on December 3, 2024, and participated by the consortium and project specialists from donor agency, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Mr. Cezar Belangel, Chief of Monitoring and Evaluation, facilitated the project’s evaluation session, […]

AsiaDHRRA Supports National Children’s Month 2024

AsiaDHRRA, through its EU-funded RISE-UP Project, attended and supported the National Children’s Month (NCM) 2024 celebration on 27 November 2024 at DayNor Sports Complex, Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.  The meaningful event was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment Region XI (DOLE XI), gathering children and parents across the Davao Region to […]

A Celebration of 50th Year: Empowered to Lead and Innovate!

AsiaDHRRA, with its partner DHRRAs, farmer organizations, development partners, and donors, celebrated its 50th Anniversary, recalling its milestone, priorities on family farming, farmers forum, and new programming cycle in 2025, in Ha Noi, Vietnam, on 22 to 25 December 2024. The first day of celebration reflected on recognizing the founding leaders (including posthumously) who sustained […]

Third batch of enhancing the capacities of PLGU’s TWG on agricultural investment

The third batch of capacity-building workshops for the project “Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agenda in Mindanao (SPADE-EU KoFI)” is currently being conducted at Poblacion, Davao City, from 18 to 22 November 2024 and for the Technical Working Group (TWG) of Lanao del Norte and Saranggani provinces.  AsiaDHRRA is a […]

Discussion on government financial grants supporting cooperative businesses

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) team and their cooperative beneficiaries participated in a briefing on the Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance Program conducted by the Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) on 15 November 2024.  The meeting revolved around the possibility of providing grants from the DA to support RUML’s cooperative beneficiaries, including shared insights from Yello […]

Addressing Youth’s significant role on poverty eradication in the region and agents of change towards resilience

AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General, Ms. Marlene Ramirez, participated in the 13th ASEAN Public-Private-People Partnership (PPPP) Forum on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication organized on 12 November 2024 at Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.  AsiaDHRRA, with its work and contribution towards enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the rural people’s organizations (RPOs) in the region, moderated Session 5, provided […]

Intersectoral workshop eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labour

AsiaDHRRA attended an Intersectoral Workshop on the ASEAN Roadmap for Eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labour by 2025 on 4-6 November 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.  The event is also a Follow-Up to the ASEAN Declaration on Prevention of Child Labour, including Worst Forms of Child Labour, and gathered representatives from the International Labor Organization […]

Second batch of capacity-building workshop on conflict-sensitive agricultural investment promotion planning initiative

AsiaDHRRA conducted the second batch of learning workshops to enhance the capacities of the provincial governments of North Cotabato and Bukidnon on 5-6 November 2024.  The activity is under the project “Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas (SPADe),” supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’s (GIZ). As SPADe project’s service […]

Round-table discussion to facilitate co-creation of knowledge on Agroecology

AsiaDHRRA and the Southeast Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment (SEARICE) jointly organized an online discussion on “Facilitating Co-creation of Knowledge on Agroecology” on 25 October 2024 via Zoom conference.  The event gathered project and DHRRA partners, farmers’ organizations, and the academe to review draft policy proposals based on farmer-led research case studies coordinated and […]

Learning and interactive validation with stakeholders by RUML team

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) project recently organized an interactive and learning validation event themed “Empowering Partnerships, Enhancing Market Linkages” on 21 October 2024.  Consortium partners, namely GlowCorp, AgriCooPH, AsiaDHRRA, FSSI, NATCCO, PhilDHRRA, and PhilSSA, gathered to explore lead stores in Novaliches, Quezon City and conducted an interactive discussion with PhilSSA’s network partners, the Kabuhayan […]

Conclusion of the third batch of workshops on policy advocacy and constructive engagement to end child labor

AsiaDHRRA, in coordination with its project partner organizations, has concluded the third batch of Training of Trainers on Capacity Development, Policy Advocacy, and Constructive Engagement on 30 September – 2 October 2024 in Mabini, Davao de Oro.  The workshop is part of the RISE-UP Project under the initiative Harnessing CSO Capacities in Eliminating Child Labor […]

Provincial learning workshop enhancing the capacities of technical working group on investment planning and investment promotion

AsiaDHRRA is organizing the first batch of learning workshops on drafting a provincial “Gender and Conflict-Sensitive and Climate-Smart Investment and Investment Promotion Planning (GAIIPP)” on October 1-3, 2024, at Matina, Davao City.  The activity is under the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’s (GIZ) project on “Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development […]

Reflecting on regional collaboration opportunities to support smallholder farmers’ participation in carbon markets

AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General. Ms. Marlene Ramirez participated in a regional workshop on “Mobilizing Investment for Resilient and Low Emission Agrifood Systems in Asia through Carbon Markets” organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on 16-18 September 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.  Ms. Ramirez joined the panel in Session 7, which discussed strengthening […]

First batch of workshop on policy advocacy and constructive engagement to end child labor

AsiaDHRRA concluded the first batch of “Training of Trainers on Capacity Development on Policy Advocacy and Constructive Engagement” on 11-13 September 2024 in Cotabato City, supporting its initiative to eliminate child labor in agriculture, the RISE-UP Project.  The workshop was participated by rural people’s organizations (RPOs), Fagayugoy de Melitedted Libun deb Kuya (FAMELIK), and indigenous […]

Job Opening: Regional/Philippines Project Manager

REGIONAL/PHILIPPINES PROJECT MANAGER — Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) Project Position Accountability: At the regional level: Responsible for the implementation of the Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) project in the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam. Has overall and ultimate accountability for the achievement of SEEDS objectives, deliverables, milestones, activities, outputs and outcomes within […]

Project ACRE launched

AsiaDHRRA launched its recent initiative on “Strengthening the Agency of CSOs in Developing Policy Framework for Equitable Rural Development and an Enhanced Contribution of Family Farmers Towards the Achievement of the SDGs (ACRE)” at Surabaya, Indonesia on 29 August 2024.  The project works toward promoting rural development and agricultural policies to achieve economic growth and […]

Regional Workshop in Promoting Agroecology and Territorial Rural Development

AsiaDHRRA and Bina Desa jointly organized a regional workshop on “Promoting Agroecology (AE) Transition and Territorial Approach in Rural Development (TRD) in the ASEAN Region” on 27-28 August 2024 at Surabaya, Indonesia.  The gathering was participated by partner DHRRAs and Farmers’ Organizations (FOs) in Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and project […]

Regional workshop on building digital agriculture capacities of smallholder farmers organizations

AsiaDHRRA is organizing a capacity-building workshop on digital agriculture through its project “Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS)” from 19-22 August 2024 at Oracle Hotel, Quezon City, Philippines.  The workshop titled “Training of Trainers for Equipping Digital Agriculture Arrowheads for the Project Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions” is joined by DHRRA and farmers’ […]

Partnership and collaboration supporting rural organizations in the global and regional platform

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO) recently featured its fruitful partnership and collaboration with AsiaDHRRA in its latest brief series publication.  The FAO highlighted the history of the alliance dating back to 2010, during the formation of the ad hoc committee on the Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) […]

Empowering youth in agriculture in building sustainable food systems in Asia-Pacific

The first Asia-Pacific Young Farmers and Agrilympics (YFCA):  Empowering Young Farmers in Cooperatives and Organizations: Building Sustainable Food Systems will happen on 12-16 August 2024 at Los Baños Laguna, Philippines. The week-long activities are organized by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA), the International Cooperative Alliance- Asia Pacific, and the Pacific Farmers […]

AsiaDHRRA’s contribution on empowering women, youth and local communities in Responsible Agricultural Investment in the ASEAN

AsiaDHRRA’s Program Manager, Mr. Affan Firmansyah, participated in the 2nd ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) event on 23-26 July 2024 in the Sthal Ubud Hotel, Indonesia. Mr. Firmansyah presented AsiaDHRRA’s contribution to empowering inclusion and strategies for women, youth, Indigenous people, and local and marginalized groups and communities in the Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (FAF) Sectors. […]

Partnerships advocating and documenting successful family farming programs in select ASEAN countries

AsiaDHRRA is conducting a series of round table consultations with its partner DHRRAs and farmer organizations in the network to assess the status of United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF) implementation in the countries.   Earlier, AsiaDHRRA has worked jointly with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and […]

Round Table Consultation on the UN Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF), Cambodia

AsiaDHRRA and the Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) jointly organized a round table discussion on the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF) on July 18, 2024, at Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh.  The event assessed the country’s implementation status in the context of the UNDFF Global Action Plan […]

Celebrating 40th anniversary through partnerships and Agroecology advocacy

The Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA) celebrated its 40th anniversary by organizing a Tree Planting activity with the Center for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development – Pilipinas (CARRD), Tuy Natural Farming Association, supported by the Tuy Municipal Police and AsiaDHRRA.  The significant event was held at Sitio Maligtong, […]

CSO meeting in preparation of forest resources management in Lao PDR

AsiaDHRRA’s partner organization, Lao Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Asia (Lao DHRRA), participated in a meeting on forest resources management organized by the Lao Civil Society Organization Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (Lao CSO FLEGT) on 2-3 July 2024 at Vientiane Plaza Hotel, Lao PDR.  The event was a preparatory […]

Enhancing communication in the network through monthly information dissemination

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) recently updated the network through its monthly production and dissemination of e-Newsletter, which is posted on the website and official Facebook page.  The knowledge product serves as a documented compilation of the organization’s latest news on projects, partnerships, and future engagement, including […]

Updating and revisiting the monitoring and evaluation tools for Farmers’ Organization for Asia programme

An in-person workshop for the Farmers’ Organization for Asia (FO4A) programme was organized on 26-28 June 2024 and participated by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) consultants, AgriCord, Asian Farmers Organization (AFA), and Agri-Agency staff.  The meeting updated and revisited the programme’s Theory of Change (ToC) and Logical Framework (LF) and hosted by AsiaDHRRA […]

Celebrating commitments to End Child Labour

AsiaDHRRA participates in celebrating World Day Against Child Labour (WADCL) with the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, at Kasaysayan para sa Batang Malaya” on 26 June 2024 at Campo Uno Barangay Elizalde and on 27 June 2024 at Campo Dos, Barangay Malamodao, Maco, Davao de Oro. The gathering was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment […]

SalassaExpo 2024, a people’s festival advocating climate change and natural farming for a more dignified life

Komunitas Swabina Pedesaan Salassae (KSPS), AsiaDHRRA’s partner farmers’ organization (FO), will organize SalassaExpo 2024, a People’s Festival at the People’s Market in Salassae Village, Bulukumba District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia on 25-27 June 2024.  The event will serve as a venue for the people of Bulukumba Regency to share knowledge through a series of activities relating […]

Learning Needs and Capacity Assessment on Farmers’ Organization towards Child Labour

AsiaDHRRA, in coordination with Kaanib and COM, conducted a series of Learning Needs Assessment (LNA) and Organizational Maturity Assessment Training and Validation workshops with selected farmers’ organizations (FO) for the RISE-UP Project from 17 to 22 June 2024 in the provinces of Bukidnon, Maguindanao del Norte, and Davao del Norte.  The first round was organized […]

SEEDS Project Orientation to select farmers’ organization in the Philippines

AsiaDHRRA and PhilDHRRA jointly conducted a series of project orientations to farmers’ organizations (FO), namely Batu Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAFAMCO) and Coalition of Municipal Fisherfolk Associations (COMFAS) in Zamboanga, Sibugay, and Kabangasan-Mapua-Dahilig Arc Cooperative (KAMADA Arc Coop) in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental on 2-5 June 2024. The visits provided comprehensive orientation for FO/Coop and stakeholders regarding […]

National Consultation to promote Agroecology in the context of ASEAN, Vietnam

The Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) in coordination with VietDHRRA and ASSET Project, recently organized the National Consultation to promote Agroecology in the context of ASEAN on 7 June 2024, at Hanoi Hotel Club, Hanoi, Vietnam, and Zoom conference. The gathering was an integral part of a series of […]

SEEDS Project Orientation to select farmers organization in Cambodia

From 27 to 29 May 2024, the Cambodhrra project management team visited and oriented seven farming communities in three selected provinces targeted for implementing the Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) project. The team assessed seven agricultural cooperatives (AC) in three select provinces, as their partner farmer organizations suggested, including the FNN, FWN, FAEC, […]

Prioritizing local knowledge and self-reliance as key to natural farming – A Bina Desa approach

Bina Desa, an AsiaDHRRA network in Indonesia, recently organized a training on natural farming at the Natural Farming Learning House on May 22- 24, 2024, in Ciasihan, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Thirty-three farmers from nine provinces attended the workshop. Natural farming is an agricultural value and system that responds to the damages caused by conventional […]

Farmers’ Organization Stories – MarCCO, Philippines

A compilation of farmers’ organizations’ Stories of Change features Matulatula Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MarCCO) from Pola, Mindoro Oriental, Philippines.  AsiaDHRRA has supported MarCCO since 2016 in building the cooperative’s technical capacities for agribusiness, mainly producing its primary citrus juice, Mindoren C, under the programme Farmers Organization for Asia (FO4A).  The programme is supported by […]

National Consultation to promote Agroecology in the context of ASEAN, the Philippines

The Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA), in collaboration with AsiaDHRRA, organized a National Consultation to promote Agroecology in the context of ASEAN on 30 April 2024.  The assembly served as a platform to discuss relevant ASEAN frameworks and national agroecological policies and programs from stakeholders representing family farmers organizations, civil […]

National Consultation to promote Agroecology in the context of ASEAN, Thailand

The Thailand Partnership for the Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (ThaiDHRRA) in collaboration with AsiaDHRRA, organized the National Consultation to promote Agroecology in the context of ASEAN on 26 April 2024 at Baan Suan Sum Saeng, Tha Khon Yang, Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province.  The gathering was participated by various stakeholders from Thai […]

Training on Enumerators for RISE-UP Project

AsiaDHRRA, with its partner consortium, conducted a training on enumerators of the RISE-UP Project on 18-20 April 2024 at Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The workshop was led by PhilDHRRA, implemented face-to-face, and utilized various approaches such as learning exercises, lectures, and other training instruments. It was the 1st community level training to generate community […]

Project launch against child labor in agriculture sector in the Philippines

AsiaDHRRA, in collaboration with the Community Organizers Multiversity – CO Multiversity, Kaanib Foundation, Inc., and Phildhrra-Mindanao, launched the RISE-UP (Resilience Inclusion Sustainability Empowerment Unity Progress) project on 17 April 2024 at Barangay Mankila, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.  The event was attended by farmers’ organisations from Bukidnon and Maguindano (young youth, rural women, farmers), local […]

REPOSTING: Regional Technology Integration and Applications Specialist (RTIAS)

Job accountability: The Regional Technology Integration and Applications Specialist (RTIAS) leads the process of identification, validation, and consolidation of farm/agriculture needs (with specific emphasis on smallholder field realities), matching these with available digital technologies/applications (through a process of integration). The RTIAS also ensures that the knowledge, attitude, and skills necessary for farmer-users to effectively use […]

SEEDS collaboration with the Philippine’s Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)

AsiaDHRRA and the Philippines’s Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) met via Zoom conference to collaborate on AsiaDHRRA’s digital agriculture project – Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) on 11 April 2024.  The department’s Undersecretary, Ms. Jocelle Batapa Sigue has joined the regional Project Advisory Group (PAG) and will provide strategic guidance to […]

National Consultation to promote Agroecology in the context of ASEAN, Cambodia

The Cambodian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (CamboDHRRA) organized the National Consultation to promote Agroecology in the context of ASEAN on 8 April 2024, in Phnom Peng Hotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  The workshop was in coordination with CamboDHRRA’s various stakeholders, namely, the Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty […]

USAID Visited the RUML Biyayang Lokal Launching in Valenzuela City

USAID Deputy Administrator Paloma Adams-Allen and Mission Director Ryan Washburn joined the Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) team for the launch of Biyayang Lokal in Valenzuela City on 21 March 2024.  Biyayang Lokal, a subprogram under RUML, aims to promote and link farmers’ products to the urban markets and deliver affordable, fresh, and nutritious food via […]

The VIII Global Conference Family Farming: Sustainability of our Planet

AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary General, Ms Marlene Ramirez, participated in World Rural Forum’s (WRF) 8th Global Conference Family Farming: Sustainability of our Planet, held at Europa Palace, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, on 19-21 March 2024.  Ms Ramirez spoke at a special event on the Economic Sustainability of Family Farming, Value Chains, and Associativism and shared the experience of Matulatula Agrarian […]

National Consultation to promote Agroecology in the context of ASEAN, Lao PDR

The National Consultation to Promote Agroecology in the Context of ASEAN was organized in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on March 15, 2024. The workshop gathered agricultural stakeholders in the country and presented significant ASEAN frameworks, national policies, and current initiatives in developing regional agroecology guidelines. The consultation similarly discussed agroecology transitions’ expectations, perspectives, and concerns. Ms […]

RUML forging partnerships on digital innovation platforms

RUML met with Mastercard and Deliver-E to forge partnerships on digital innovation platforms.  Supported by the USAID, the platform will streamline information sharing among rural farmers’ produce and facilitate access to urban markets.  The design involves platform delivery by Mastercard for RUML, while Deliver-E focuses on seamless logistical operations or delivery from farm to market. […]

AsiaDHRRA’s advisory services with coffee producers in the south

AsiaDHRRA’s Senior Program Managers, Mr. Florante Villas and Mr. Cezar Belangel, Organizational Development Consultant, Ms. Arlynn Contreras, facilitated an assessment with the Impalutao Dalwangan Sawaga Agrarian Reform Cooperative (IMDALSA) in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, on 6-8 March 2024.  The cooperative is a member of the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), with 14 million assets, and is involved […]

Project contract signing and partners’ meeting with the farmers union in Vietnam

AsiaDHRRA and the Viet Nam Farmers’ Union (VNFU) signed a partnership contract to implement the Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) project on 2 March 2024.  A stakeholders’ meeting followed the event in Bac Giang province, where two districts, namely Luc Ngan and Hiep Hoa, were visited.  AsiaDHRRA, accompanied by VNFU, met with the […]

One Commune One Product Certification to farmers’ organisation partner in Vietnam

AsiaDHRRA’s Senior Program Manager, Mr. Cezar Belangel, met the key leaders of Phuc Thanh Beekeepers Cooperative (PTBC), a farmers’ organisation (FO) located in a small village in Thai Nguyen province in the northeastern part of Vietnam, on 29 February 2024. The FO’s leadership was delighted to receive their “One Commune One Product (OCOP)” certificate, which […]

Future partnership to deliver fresh opportunities through wide dealership network

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) recently met with the Personal Collection team to discuss future collaboration to bring fresh opportunities to communities.  The dialogue concerns piloting RUML’s mechanism with Personal Collection’s mission to provide their 1.2 million loyal dealers with fresh and nutritious commodities nationwide through an innovative/extension program. Likewise, the initiative plans to expand […]

RUML Launching of Biyayang Lokal Expansion in Caloocan City with PhilSSA and KCOOP

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) team gathered 76 motivated Sari-sari (variety) store and Eatery owners during the launching of Biyayang Lokal Expansion in Caloocan City on 26 January 2024.  The event highlighted the signing of agreements between GlowCorp-PBC, KCOOP, and PhilSSA, with representations from the USAID’s Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) Ms. Princess Shimmadar Manaois-Battung, USAID’s […]

RUML responding to impact of climate- with farmers and fisherfolks

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) team recently organized an orientation with the Mansalay Farmers and Fisherfolks Development Cooperative (MAFFDECO) to discuss the challenges of climate change.    MAFFDECO is a farmers’ organization (FO) from Mansalay, Mindoro Oriental, engaged in farming and fishing, with 3,385 members predominantly women and nearly 30% youth.   Presently, the FO is […]

AsiaDHRRA’s landmark initiative on digital agriculture in partnership with the DHRRA and Cambodian Government

AsiaDHRRA and CamboDHRRA organized a dinner meeting with H.E. Dr. Chivoan Sao, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Rural Development of Cambodia, on 26 February 2024.  The Ministry pilots a landmark initiative to develop 50 model villages in 25 provinces in Cambodia, with two per province to follow a set of criteria that includes […]

The 11th APFSD and sustaining productive relationship pushing agroecology and family farming agenda

Secretary Generals AsiaDHRRA’s Marlene Ramirez and Asian Farmers’ Association’s (AFA) Esther Petunia attended and participated at the 11th Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) organized by UNESCAP in Bangkok, Thailand, on 20-23 February 2024. The event was also an opportune time for a courtesy visit to meet the newly designated family farming (UNDFF) and agroecology […]

Signing ceremony between AsiaDHRRA and CamboDHRRA in the implementation of SEEDS project

AsiaDHRRA and CamboDHRRA recently signed a partnership to implement the Smallholder Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) project at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 26 February 2024.   The ceremony was joined by CamboDHRRA’s Chairperson Neth Sovann, AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General Marlene Ramirez,  CamboDHRRA’s Executive Director Him Noeun, and SEED’s Regional Project Manager Carlo Angelo Cordero. CamboDHRRA will partner […]

Cooperation in promoting digital agriculture implementation in Cambodia

AsiaDHRRA and Cambodhrra organized a stakeholders’ meeting for its latest collaboration on Smallholder Economic Empowerment through the Digital Solutions (SEEDS) project with the Research and Agri-extension and Rural Development Divisions of the Royal University of Agriculture on 26 February 2024 at Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The meeting discussed implementing the SEEDS project in various programs, including […]

Advocacy efforts and campaigns to eliminate child labor through national and local partnerships

Program Manager Ms. Luz Almagro Blanco guested at the PTV DavNor Network, Radio 911 – to formally introduce AsiaDHRRA’s latest project on “Harnessing CSO Capacities for Eliminating Child Labor Action through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Agri-entrepreneurship” on 20 February 2024. The opportunity was made possible with the support of Kaanib Foundation Inc., a partner organization of […]

Pilot launch of Biyayang Lokal expansion leveraging small businesses and communities

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) project has reached a significant milestone with the pilot launch of Biyayang Lokal expansion in Caloocan City.  Productive meetings and fruitful collaboration between RUML and KCOOP through PhilSSA have led to this groundbreaking initiative aiming to streamline ordering and distributing rice as an identified pilot product.  Additionally, KCOOP will consolidate […]

Setting the green lights to eliminate child labor through building capacities, multi-stakeholder partnerships and agri-entrepreneurship

The formal signing of AsiaDHRRA’s latest project on “Harnessing CSO Capacities for Eliminating Child Labor (ECL) Action through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Agri-entrepreneurship” took place at the Partnership Center, Loyola Heights, Quezon City on 23 January 2024.  The ceremony was attended by AsiaDHRRA’s project management and financial team, focal program officers from COM, Kaanib, and PhilDHRRA-Mindanao, […]

Creating mechanisms on farm planning and production benefitting the farmers

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) team organized an orientation on farm production and planning for suppliers to Buklod Agrarian Reform Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BBARC-MPC) at Buenavista, Quezon Province, on 25 January 2024.  BBARC-MPC is a 2,200-member cooperative under NATCCO and is engaged in planting lowland vegetables.  The insightful gathering was attended by 18 participants, 13 […]

Understanding the business models and operations of community small-business enterprises

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) team visited and interviewed selected lead store, carinderia (eatery), and sari-sari (variety) owners on {specific dates} at {place).  The activity collaborates with the Partnership of Philippine Support Service Agencies (PhilSSA) and Kabuhayan sa Ganap na Kasarinlan Credit and Savings Cooperative (KCOOP) under the Biyayang Lokal initiative, which aims to understand […]

Operational Planning to Eliminate Child Labor in the Philippine agriculture

AsiaDHRRA organized operational planning for its latest project on “Harnessing CSO Capacities for Eliminating Child Labor (ECL) Action through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Agri-entrepreneurship” on January 19-20 and 22, 2024.  The program seeks to catalyze a multi-stakeholder partnership mechanism to establish rural youth organizations at a local level, create livelihood opportunities, support agri-enterprises for affected families […]

A panel discussion on Sustaining Agriculture through Collaborative Partnerships

AsiaDHRRA’s Senior Program Manager, Mr. Florante Villas, participated in a panel discussion on Sustaining Agriculture through Collaborative Partnership organized by the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA) during the key partners’ meeting at Makati Diamond Residences, Makati, on 5 December 2023. The discussion generated insights to shape policies, inspire initiatives, and nurture collective efforts beyond […]

Country training on Agroecology, Policy Advocacy, and Constructive Engagement

AsiaDHRRA and Phildhrra-Mindanao jointly organized a 3-day country training on Agroecology, Policy Advocacy, and Constructive Engagement (AE-PACE) at Lispher Inn Hotel, Davao City, on 12-14 December 2023. The event is joined by 26 farmers’ organizations (FO) and non-profit organizations (NGO) leaders. The initiative is 2nd of the two training interventions on AE and PACE for […]

A visit to monitor development progress and accomplishment with COMFAS

AsiaDHRRA’s Senior Program Manager, Mr. Cezar Belangel, visited The Coalition of Municipal Fisherfolk Associations (COMFAS) at Zamboanga Sibugay on 13-17 November 2023 as part of updating the Farmers’ Organization for Asia (FO4A) program on development progress.  A focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted to review the accomplishments, challenges faced, and ways forward to 2024.  Likewise, […]

AsiaDHRRA’s participation at the The ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Rights of Women and Children (ACWC)

The ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) organized the 2nd Regional Consultation Workshop on the Development of the ASEAN Declaration on the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 29-30 November 2023.  The gathering was hosted by Thailand’s Children’s Rights and represented by […]

RUML Annual Assessment and Planning 2023

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) project organized its annual assessment and planning for 2023 at the Partnership Center in Quezon City. The objectives of the meeting are to review and assess the project’s progress, discuss the successes and challenges faced, and identify the actions and strategies for improvement. Similarly, the gathering aimed to draw out […]

KLMPE 2023 “Inclusive Financing for Climate Resilient Family Farmers”

The annual Knowledge Learning Market and Policy Engagement (KLMPE) gathered leaders and stakeholders from family farmers’ organizations, NGOs, government agencies, agri agencies, inter-government organizations, and Agriculture Rural Development Knowledge and Policy Platform (ARDKPP) representatives on 22-23 November 2023 at Institute of Social Order (ISO) – Ateneo De Manila University. With the theme “Inclusive Financing for […]

AsiaDHRRA’s farmers’ organization partners at the 6th ASEAN RDPE Leadership Awardees

AsiaDHRRA sends their warmest congratulations to Roberto Ballon of COMFAS and Pan Sopheap of FNN as recipients of the 6th ASEAN RDPE Leadership Awardees.  The gathering was a favorable event for the awardees to share and inspire their winning community-based stories of change with the participants through plenary and breakout sessions. The ceremony was held […]

AsiaDHRRA at the 12th ASEAN Public Private People Partnership Forum on RDPE

AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General, Ms. Marlene Ramirez, Co-chaired the recent ASEAN 12th Public Private People Partnership (PPPP) Forum on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (RDPE) held in Singapore on 20 November 2023.  Ms. Ramirez, representing the Civil Society Organization (CSO) sector, delivered a brief speech on matters relating to the inception of 1st RDPE in Vietnam, the […]

Handcrafted products from farmers and fisherfolks – an RUML holiday season’s theme

The Partnership of Philippine Support Service Agencies (PHILSSA) attended a two-day bazaar at the Ateneo De Manila University (Katipunan Campus) on November 13-14, 2023, organized by the Office for Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI) – Ateneo de Manila University. The event featured a pleasant array of handcrafted products by rural farmers and fisherfolks across the […]

A series of meetings updating FO4A project with partner DHRRA and member Farmers’ Organizations in Indonesia

AsiaDHRRA organized a series of meetings with its DHRRA partner, Yayasan Bina Desa, and Farmers’ Organization (FO) members in Indonesia on 6-13 November 2023.  The mission’s first leg was with Bina Desa on 6-7 November 2023 in Jakarta, discussing providing technical support and coaching services to its farmers’ organization members.  A visit was followed by […]

Digitalisation on Eradicating Poverty and Malnutrition in the Region

AsiaDHRRA participated in the 7th Southeast Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises,” organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) on 6-8 November 2023, via hybrid modality, Bangkok, Thailand. Ms. Marlene Ramirez, AsiaDHRRA Secretary-General, presented the Role of CSOs […]

A vision that unites – the launch of PhilDHRRA’s weekend market

The Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA), through its social enterprise Project Philmart, has taken a significant move to bridging the gap between rural and urban markets at the launching of their weekend market in Vista Valley Subdivision in Marikina City on 5 November 2023. The weekend market was […]

Regional Initiatives in support of Agroecology – TARASA23

Ms. Marlene Ramirez, AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General, moderated a session on Learning from Regional Initiatives in support of Agroecology (AE) and delivered the presentation’s main lessons learned and takeaway messages on 25 October 2023 at Siem Reap, Cambodia.  The session was participated by the ASEAN Climate Resilient Network, The One Million Voices initiatives of AE & the […]

Nutri-package for a positive impact – an RUML commitment

AgriCOOPh Federation continues its deliveries of essential commodities to the Marikina School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), reaching 6,071 students receiving nutrient-rich food packages in 17 schools. The program runs for 24 weeks and is in collaboration with CamSur MPC and the local government of Marikina. AgriCOOPh is a consortium member of the USAID – US Agency […]

TARASA 23 – A Workshop of Collective Systems Shift towards Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture

AsiaDHRRA participated in the international workshop on “Transitioning Towards Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture: A Contribution to Food Systems Transformation (TARASA23)” on 24-27 October 2023 at Siem Reap, Cambodia.  The workshop aimed to learn and share various experiences on agroecology and regenerative agriculture to support farming and food systems transition in the Asia-Pacific region. Agriculture and […]

Production expansion and community hub for multi-purpose cooperative and indigenous farmer’s group – An inclusive RUML initiative

The Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) and the Partnership for the Developmental Assistance in the Philippines (PDAP) hosted a meeting with Care Filipinos Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) and Pamana Matarek Inc. on 10 October 2023.  The meeting collectively identified priorities for establishing a lemongrass nursery to expand production to address the increasing demand for juice, oil, capsules, […]

Monitoring and Evaluation of the RAI Learning Programme

CamboDHRRA, LaoDHRRA, and PhilDHRRA currently organize a focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) surveys with the trainees and stakeholders of the Responsible Agricultural Investment (RAI) Learning Program conducted in 2022. The RAI Training has provided the trainees with the knowledge and developed skills to support women and youth better to voice their […]

Farmers’ Organization Assessment with the Peace and Equity Foundation

AsiaDHRRA and the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) jointly organized a visit to the Kauyagan Savers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KSMPC) in Impasugong, Bukidnon, on 10-12 October 2023. The series of meetings discussed identifying success stories, operational gaps, and possible interventions to improve the cooperative’s future operations. PEF provides financing and technical support to the cooperative of […]

Regional training on Agroecology, Policy Advocacy and Constructive Engagement

AsiaDHRRA organized a six-day Regional Training on Agroecology (AE) and Policy Advocacy (AE) and Constructive Engagement (CE) on 25 September – 6 October 2023 live via Zoom conference.  The Farmer Organizations’ Leading Research and Innovation of Agroecology for Sustainable Food Systems (FORI) is a global project in partnership with AgriCord and funded by the European […]

Accelerated partnerships with the national government for food security and youth empowerment

AgriCOOPh won a bid from DepEd Marikina City on the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) in collaboration with Cam Sur Multi-Purpose Cooperative on 15 September 2023. This success was followed by the inaugural delivery of nutribuns, iron-fortified rice, fresh eggs, corn, banana, and sweet potatoes on 25 September 2023 for Marikina SBFP across 17 schools, reaching […]

Rural-Urban Market Link updates on partner collaborations

Mr. Ryan Washburn, Mission Director, Mr. Jeffrey Goebel, Director for Economic Development and Governance, and Mr. Jay De Quiroz, Economic Development Specialist of the USAID, visited the GlowCorp office in Cabuyao, Laguna, for a project meeting with the Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) team on 28 September 2023. The discussion highlighted the latest project accomplishment with […]

Accessing high-value agricultural products for food security

The People’s Business Center (PBC) and the management team of Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) conducted an orientation with TAFARMCO on 8 August 2023. TAFARMCO is a member of The National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) located in Tuba, Benguet, with active cooperative members producing high-value vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, lettuces, cabbages, potatoes, beans, and bell […]

Exploring partnerships to scale-up efforts on sustainable food systems in the region

A team led by Ms. Amy Melissa Chua, Head of Partnerships at GrowAsia and Country Director at the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA), visited the AsiaDHRRA secretariat to discuss and explore possible cooperation between the organizations. PPSA is a multi-stakeholder partnership platform initiated by Grow Asia, a regional platform for inclusive and sustainable agriculture […]

Case studies on partnership against hunger programs in the Philippines presented in a global forum

The World Rural Forum (WRF), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), organized a series of Global Webinars: Towards Innovative Policies to Enhance the Transformative Role of Family Farmers on 11 and 13 July 2023. Ms. Katlea Zairra Itong, National Coordinator, PhilDHRRA, presented an in-country case study on Partnership […]

AsiaDHRRA’s 13th General Assembly, Rural Resilience and Transformation in Asia (Post-Pandemic): Challenges and Pathways

AsiaDHRRA organized its 13th General Assembly on 4 July 2023 via Zoom and participated by its partner DHRRAs in the region and secretariat staff. The event highlighted the latest updates from the DHRRAs, the AsiaDHRRA Biennial Report, and Strategy Papers on Rural Women, Rural Youth, and Digital Agriculture. The gathering proceeded with the new Executive […]

Partnership updates and planning to support the marginalized poor and farmers organisation

AsiaDHRRA and the People’s Business Center (PBC) visited the AgriCOOPh Federation and the Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (Phildhrra) on 22 June 2023. The team involved AsiaDHRRA’s Mr. Cezar Belangel and Mr. Edmond Carpeso, and PBC’s Vicky Serrato and Wilma Guinto came to discuss the latest Rural-Urban Market Link […]

Biyayang Lokal Project Launching – a partnership with People’s Organization in urban areas

The Partnership of Philippine Support Service Agencies Association, Inc. (PhilSSA) officially launched the “Biyayang Lokal” project on 31 May 2023 at the Covered Court Dormitory, Pasacola, Nagkaisang Nayon, Novaliches, Quezon City.  The event formally kickstarts the Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML) project in partnership with the Local Government Units (City and Barangay level).  In addition, it […]

Regional collaboration and partnership on Agri Food and Advisory Councils

AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General, Ms. Marlene Ramirez, joined the annual Southeast Asia Agri-Food Roundtable organized by Thai Wah, Temasek, and Rethink Events.  With the theme “Catalysing a Greener Tomorrow,” the event served as a platform for 130+ thought leaders, innovators, and collaborators, to build transformational pathways across different parts of the agri-food value chain in Asia. Furthermore, […]

IFAD’s SIS mission with fisherfolks in Zamboanga Sibugay

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) conducted a Supervision and Implementation System (SIS) Mission on 20-21 May, 2023, with the Coalition of Municipal Fisherfolks Association of Zamboanga Sibugay (COMFAS), a farmers’ organization (FO). IFAD’s project grant manager Ms. Jerry Pacturan was joined by AsiaDHRRA’s Senior Program Manager, Mr. Cezar Belangel, and visited COMFAS’s oyster […]

IFAD’s SIS mission with Calamansi Farmers’ Organization in Oriental, Mindoro

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), AgriCord, and AsiaDHRRA conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interviews (KII) on 19-20 May 2023 with Matulatula Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MARCCO), an AsiaDHRRA partner farmers’ organization (FO) located in Matulatula, Pola, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. IFAD’s representative Ms. Digna Orduña Manzanilla conducted a series of […]

Setting objectives and monitoring progress with fisherfolks

AsiaDHRRA’s Senior Program Manager, Mr. Cezar Belangel, conducted a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Workshop with the operations team of the Coalition of Municipal Fisherfolks Association of Zamboanga Sibugay (COMFAS) on 17-18 May 2023.  The gathering aims to set up the federation’s M&E system by consolidating information from 34 primary organization members or farmer organizations (FOs).  […]

PhilDHRRA General Assembly “PhilDHRRA @39: Adapt, Innovate, and Diversify”

AsiaDHRRA’s Program Manager Ms. Luchie Blanco attended Phildhrra‘s Sustainability and Innovation Summit and General Assembly and presented a study on Digital Agriculture during the breakout session under “Innovate.” She also discussed AsiaDHRRA’s Strategic Plan and its contribution to accomplishing PhilDHRRA’s objectives in the ongoing General Assembly. The General Assembly themed “PhilDHRRA @39: Adapt, Innovate, and […]

Regional Intersectoral Consultation Workshop Tackling Child Labor

AsiaDHRRA participated in “The 1st Intersectoral Consultation Workshop on the Development of the ASEAN Declaration on the Elimination of Child Labour” on 16-17 May 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, and virtual.  The objective of the workshop is to reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to tackle all forms of child labor through multi-sector and holistic approaches, address the rise […]

A Focus group discussion on building the capacities and sustainable growth of Coffee Growers

AsiaDHRRA, in partnership with the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), conducted Institutional Building Technical Assessment (IBTA) with the Keytodak Coffee Growers, Inc (KCGI) on 8-13 May 2023 at Sitio Bayugan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.  The assessment’s objective is to provide a general overview of the Farmers’ Organization (FO) capacity level, identify areas for improvement, and possible […]

Socio-cultural community formulating ideas and strategy measures to eradicate poverty in the ASEAN region

The ASEAN Secretariat recently held the 2023 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Knowledge Forum on 7 May 2023 with a theme, “Addressing Gaps and Rethinking Pathways to Eradicate Poverty in ASEAN,” at Nusa Dua, Badung District, Bali, Indonesia. The forum served as a platform for formulating ideas and strategic measures to eradicate poverty in the region. […]

FO-RI: A deep-dive assessment of Agro-ecological practices at the village level

Việt DHRRA coordinated with the Co Noi local officials and farmers to assess Agroecological models in the commune on 8-9 April 2023. The visit is part of the research process in understanding their existing framework, its advantages and disadvantages, the results, achievements, and impacts on local livelihood and the ecosystem. The analysis will be the […]

A forum advancing agroecology transitions through increased partnership development and cooperation

AsiaDHRRA participated in a side event on “Harnessing agroecology through partnerships to transform food systems” organized by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Centre for International Cooperation and Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD) on 29 March 2023 in […]

Capitalization Workshop: A review and refinement of the RAI Learning Programme

AsiaDHRRA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly organized a Capitalization Workshop in Vientiane, Lao PDR, from 22-24 March 2023. The meeting gathered the subject matter experts (SMEs) from CamboDHRRA, LaoDHRRA, and PhilDHRRA to capture the lessons learned from the RAI Learning Program (RAI-LP) conducted in 2022 in their respective […]

Organizational assessment and collective partnership with partners in Lao PDR

AsiaDHRRA and LaoDHRRA convened a meeting on 21 March 2023 to assess the status and organizational direction and look for more possible partnerships to work collectively in the future. The AsiaDHRRA team was welcomed by LaoDHRRA Board, namely Mr. A Khom Tounalom (Ph.D.), Mr. Boun Oum Douangphrachanh, Mr. Khampa Keomanychanh, and Mr. BounKeua Vongsalath (Ph.D.). […]

AsiaDHRRA’s advisory services to smallholder cacao farmers: a MEDA project

AsiaDHRRA, in collaboration with Phildhrra-Mindanao, co-organized a planning workshop with members of the Board of Directors and Management of the Maragusan Multipurpose Cooperative (MAMPCO) on 20-21 March 2023 at MAMPCO’s Indigenous Function Hall in Davao de Oro. MAMPCO is a 51-year-old primary cooperative with Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) certification, and it has 3,785 members comprising […]

Project Philmart: Linking farmers from rural areas to urban communities for food security

The Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (Phildhrra) launched its recent initiative, “Project PhilMart,” on 28 February 2023 at the PhilDHRRA Compound, Quezon City. Project PhilMart is a component of Rural-Urban Market Link (RUML), a project implemented by a consortium led by GlowCorp and funded by USAID. The consortium consists […]

A dialogue of priority outputs to enhance business operations of honeybee producers

AsiaDHRRA and the Phuc Thanh Beekeeping Cooperative (PTBC) organized a meeting to discuss the cooperative’s general direction and primary concerns. Mr. Cezar Belangel, AsiaDHRRA’s Program Manager, was met by Dr. Buiquang Toan and the VietDHRRA volunteer staff, Ms. Ly Khanh and Ms. Ngoc Ho, on 24 February 2023 at Phuc Thanh, a Thai Nguyen Province […]

Supporting palm sugar FOs in Vietnam advancing to a full-fledged cooperative

AsiaDHRRA’s Senior Program Manager, Mr. Cezar Belangel, convened a meeting with the An Giang Farmers Union (AGFU) project management committee on 20 February 2022. He was accompanied by Ms. Nguyen Viet Ha, Vice Director of International Cooperation of Vietnam Farmers Union (VNFU), and received by AGFU’s project management committee Director, Mr. Le Hung Cuong. AGFU […]

Designing a strategy addressing Gendered Environment, Social Inclusion, and Governance with Cacao Farmers

AsiaDHRRA’s Senior Program Manager, Mr. Florante Villas, in collaboration with PhilDHRRA Mindanao, organized the recent action planning workshop with FARDECO Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Cadalian, Baguio District, Davao, on 16-18 February 2023. The workshop was designed to craft a plan addressing AsiaDHRRA’s recommendations based on the results of an assessment of performance in a Gendered Environment, […]

Sustaining the gains of COMFAS thru expansion and value-addition

6-7 February 2023 – AsiaDHRRA’s Senior Program Manager, Mr. Cezar Belangel, visited the Coalition of Municipal Fishers Association of Zamboanga Sibugay (COMFAS) to review and understand the group’s business operations and provide coaching in their conduct of monitoring and evaluation.  Mr. Belangel learned about the group’s financial and functional capacities and planned business in light […]

Setting up the groundwork on Agroecology, a FO-RI initiative

9 January 2023 – AsiaDHRRA started 2023 on inspiring ground with a discussion on and started the case documentation work for the “Farmer Organizations’ Leading Research and Innovation (FO-RI) on Agroecology for Sustainable Food Systems.”   The FORI program aims to document and popularize good practices on agroecology among small-scale Farmer’s Organizations (FOs) towards greater recognition […]

Shaping and Framing Rural Digitalization – DVEA Validation Workshop in Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam

AsiaDHRRA’s partner DHRRAs in Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam conducted a validation workshop on Digital Village Ecosystem Assessment (DVEA), a component step of the Digital Village Initiative (DVI) programme to analyze and understand the current status of digitalization and readiness of selected villages.  The workshop aims to validate the DVEA results by generating feedback on […]

Women and Youth farmer organizations realizing their roles at the RAI National Validation events

CamboDHRRA, LaoDHRRA, and PhilDHRRA organized a 1-day National Validation event to finalize the draft strategy paper formulated from the Dialogue Event on empowering women and youth in Responsible Agricultural Investment (RAI) in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and the Philippines. It was participated by the women and youth organizations from the National Training (Learning program) on October […]

Counting numbers and synergizing partnerships through coaching to Farmers’ Organization partners

AsiaDHRRA has provided a series of coaching and mentoring with its partner farmers’ organization (FO) finance in November – December 2022 online via Zoom.  The practice is part of AsiaDHRRA’s continuing project orientation on accountability requirements per FOs of its Farmers’ Organization for Asia (FO4A) program and aligned with its Strategic Action Plan (SAP).  The […]

The Launching of Rural-Urban Market Link Project: People’s Business Center – an initiative to benefit marginalized communities and attain food security

The Public Launch of the People’s Business Center (PBC) Rural-Urban Market Link: Establishing a Mechanism to Promote Inclusive Livelihood for the Marginalized Poor was held on 16 December 2022 at the Institute of Social Order (ISO) in Ateneo de Manila University. The Consortium Project is led by the Global Organic and Wellness Corporation (GlowCorp) in […]

A collaboration to learn and innovate, AsiaDHRRA and Bina Desa’s advisory visit to Ngudi Mulyo and Galih

AsiaDHRRA and Bina Desa (InDHRRA) visited Ngudi Mulyo (NM) and Galih farmers’ group in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, on 7-9 December 2022 to provide advisory services and discuss updates and progress under the Farmers’ Organization for Asia (FO4A) program. Recently, Ngudi Mulyo mobilized support from several government agencies through machinery, tools, and production building to upgrade their […]

The RAI National Dialogue: A platform for Women and Youth farmers’ organizations to advance and lead

AsiaDHRRA’s member DHRRAs, namely CamboDHRRA, LaoDHRRA, and PhilDHRRA, organized a multi-stakeholder National Dialogue event on Responsible Agricultural Investment (RAI). The forum was attended by the same participants from the National Training event (Learning Programme) held on October 2022, representing the government agencies, private sectors, NGOs, academe, cooperatives, and women and youth organizations (farmer organizations). Participants […]

AsiaDHRRA organized the Digital Village Ecosystem Analysis (DVEA) results and planning workshop

AsiaDHRRA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) organized the presentation of Digital Village Ecosystem Analysis (DVEA) results and Planning Workshop Activity of the Rural Transformation and Digital Village Development in select ASEAN countries on 1 December 2022 via zoom.  The workshop responds to the plans with the villages anticipating bringing new digital development opportunities […]

“KLMPE 2022 in Retrospect: Reflect, Sustain, Improve” – Fourteen years and counting

The Knowledge Learning Market and Policy Engagement (KLMPE) 2022 organized its annual gathering of government agencies, international organizations, farmers’ organizations, civil society organizations, academe, and IFAD-assisted projects on 1 December 2022 via zoom conference.  The event emphasized the idea of “KLMPE in Retrospect: Reflect, Sustain, Improve.” The discussion also celebrated its ninth year since the […]

Launch of Addressing Labor Exploitation in ASEAN

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) joined in the Launching of Addressing Labor Exploitation in Fishing in ASEAN (ALFA) by DAI organized on 28 November 2022 at the ASEAN Secretariat in Bali, Indonesia. The ALFA project aims to increase the capacity of ASEAN’s member countries to advance issues […]

AsiaDHRRA, PhilDHRRA and ISO conducted the Training of Trainers (ToT) on Learning Needs Assessment

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA), PhilDHRRA, and the Institute of Social Order (ISO) conducted the Training of Trainers (ToT) on learning needs assessment at Panukulan, Quezon Province, on 24-25 November 2022.  Ms. Arlynn Contreras, AsiaDHRRA’s organization development consultant, and Ms. Luchie Blanco, Program Officer for Research, gathered […]

AsiaDHRRA participated in Public Food Procurement Forum organized by AgriCOOPH

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) participated in the Public Food Procurement Forum with the theme “Farmers and Government Partnership for Sustainable Food System and Healthy Diet.” The gathering was organized by The Philippine Family Farmers’ Agriculture Fishery Forestry Cooperatives Federation (AgriCOOPh) and held at Cebu City, Philippines, […]

AsiaDHRRA convened Sub-regional meetings with DHRRA member partners in the region

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) organized three sub-regional cluster meetings of its DHRRA members from the sub-region Mekong (Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam), Southeast (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines), and Northeast (Korea, Taiwan) on 14, 15, and 17 November 2022, respectively, via zoom.   The objectives of the series of […]

The ASEAN Master Plan on Rural Development 2022 to 2026 is now published!

16 November 2022 – The ASEAN Leaders’ Summit adopted the 1st Master Plan on Rural Development 2022 to 2026. The Master Plan presents common strategic directions for the community pillars with differentiated priorities and actions for the AMS encompassing aspects such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, resilience to shocks, and improving rural livelihoods, which […]

AsiaDHRRA and CamboDHRRA co-organized a side-event on Digital Agriculture

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA), through its partner member/partner CamboDHRRA, co-organized a side event on “Agricultural Digitalization: Implications on Economic Justice, Digital Justice & Food Sovereignty in Southeast Asia.” The workshop was coordinated with the ETCgroup and Climate Watch Thailand during the ASEAN Civil Society Conference / […]

AsiaDHRRA organized a series of MEAL workshop to farmers’ organizations

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) organized a series of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) workshop for its partner DHRRAs and farmers’ organization (FO) in the region on 24, 28, and 31 of October 2022 via zoom conference.  The session’s objective is to review and orient the […]

APFP/FO4A Joint Steering Committee Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) on behalf of AgriCord, attended the Asia Pacific Farmer Program (APFP) / Farmer for Asia (FO4A) Joint Steering Committee on 24-25 October 2022, held in a hybrid modality via zoom conference and at the Asia Hotel Bangkok, Thailand. The discussion reviewed the […]

AsiaDHRRA joined a panel discussion on Driving Responsible Investment in Agriculture

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) participated in a panel discussion on Driving Responsible Investment in Agriculture at the Grow Asia Forum at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, on 18 October 2022. Ms. Marlene Ramirez, AsiaDHRRA’s Secretary-General, engaged in a discussion that explored existing barriers to adopting responsible investment […]

RAI Learning Program on Empowering Women and Youth conducted in Cambodia, Lao-PDR, and the Philippines

AsiaDHRRA’s member and partner DHRRAs in the region, namely, CamboDHRRA, LaoDHRRA, and PhilDHRRA, organized the Responsible Agricultural Investment (RAI) Learning Program on Empowering Women and Youth in their respective countries on 4-15 October 2022.  The activities are follow-ups from the Learning Program Dry Run organized by AsiaDHRRA capacitating Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from Cambodia, Lao […]

AsiaDHRRA joined a panel discussion on Committee on World Food Security (CFS)

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) ‘s Assistant Secretary-General, Mags Catindig-Reyes, joined a panel discussion on Committee on World Food Security (CFS) Side Event 18: Promoting Responsible and Climate Smart Investment in Agriculture in Southeast Asia through Multistakeholder Approaches on 12 October 2022.  She shared the civil society […]

Digital Village Ecosystem Assessment analysis on select ASEAN countries

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) organized a series of Digital Village Ecosystem (DVEA) analyses in four select countries, namely, the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, on 28 September and on 3, 4, and 10 October 2022, respectively, via Zoom.  The event was joined by members and partners […]

AsiaDHRRA joined a plenary session on the Asia-Pacific Symposium on Agrifood Systems Transformation

Ms. Marlene D. Ramirez, Secretary-General of the Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA), participated in the plenary session on the second day of the Asia-Pacific Symposium on Agrifood Systems Transformation organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on 6 October 2022, via hybrid modality, […]

Presentation of Asia-Pacific’s past three years’ achievements of the UNDFF implementation

Mr. Pan Sopheap, AsiaDHRRA Vice-Chairperson, and CamboDHRRA Chairperson presented the achievements on behalf of Asia-Pacific of the past three years of the UN Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF) implementation and key messages from the preparatory regional dialogue at the First Global Forum of the UNDFF 2019-2028.   He highlighted the promotion and awareness of UNDFF […]

RAI Learning Programme Dry Run for SMEs organized by AsiaDHRRA

The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) organized a dry-run learning program on empowering women and youth organizations to engage in Responsible Agricultural Investments (RAI) for six subject matter experts (SMEs) from its network namely, CamboDHRRA, LaoDHRRA, and PhilDHRRA.  The four-day workshop is a requirement for the SMEs to […]