Catalyst : T ransforming Communities through S ustai nab le Ru ral Dev elopm ent 2n d f loo r , B u r e au o f So ils a nd Wate r M a n ag e m ent, V i saya s Av e nue co rn e r E llip tica l Roa d , D ilim a n , Q u e zo n Ci ty + 6 32 - 8 - 9 2 9 - 5 6 8 3 / + 6 32 - 8 - 9 2 9 - 49 27 nc is rd @ da . gov . p h http s : / / n cis rd @ da . g ov . p h f ac e b oo k . co m / n atio n a lco nv e rg e nc e CATALYST: Transforming Communities through Sustainable Rural Development National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) Coffee Table Book on Successful Convergence Areas Catalyst: Transforming Transforrming Communities Through Sustainable Rural Development Copyright © 2022 by the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below. ISBN: 978-621-96587-1-3 Front cover image by Mr. Eduardo D. Collantes, Jr. Book design by Rex Bryant Gamboa Advised by the Knowledge Management Component Working Group and Mr. Justine Devela. Printed by Gilcor Printing Press Published by: National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) 2nd floor, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Visayas Avenue corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, 1101 ncisrd@da.gov.ph | https://ncisrd.da.gov.ph (632) 8929 4927 or local 2275 MESSAGE Synergistic partnerships breed progress and possibilities. In our current agricultural landscape, the use of a partnership synergy becomes a powerful force that can accelerate the pace and growth of the sector. Now is the time to create new value together – where we encourage cross-learning through interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach. This National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) is a platform that entails heavy involvement especially of the farmers and local government units in relevant information access and decision-making across all important stages in rural development. True enough, the outcomes are promising. The integrated approach from planning to implementation and impact assessment showed how our partners and stakeholders were able to leverage resources tailored-fit to the needs of a specific farming community. Government resources were used with prudence, which in turn ensured an effective delivery system of agro-based technologies. As we continue to expand the scope of this platform, I have the highest hopes that we will be able to improve the investment climate for agro-based businesses whilst preserving the integrity of our environment and natural resources. Our ultimate goal is clear: To revitalize rural areas and local economy through exclusivity. This NCI-SRD coffee table book is proof that the convergence strategy works, as it becomes an engine for local economic growth. It is a mechanism that effectively addresses institutional fragmentation and functional overlaps that are quite rampant in most development agencies. Together, let us make convergence the new normal in promoting and upholding countryside development. WILLIAM W ILLIA AM D. D DAR, DAR Ph.D. Ph D DA Secretary I believe that this project of the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) would play a vital role in enlightening the country's different sectors on what our government is doing in our countryside. This book showcases the positive impact of NCI-SRD's strategies on rural communities and how the rural people benefit from its endeavor. The power of text and pictures would inspire conversations and arouse curiosity on the situation of the people living in the countryside. We would be able to communicate our campaign and objective to everyone who sees this coffee table book and spark interest. In behalf of the DAR, I congratulate you and wish you more success in helping our people in the countryside. BERNIE B ERNIE F. CRUZ DAR Secretary MESSAGE Warmest greetings to the men and women who made the publication of Coffee Table Book possible!