epulic of the ‘tiippnes pier of ‘mn Orci ‘Municipality of Don °Victoriana fee of the Mayor * * 04 March 2024 DR. FELIPE S. COMILA University President Benguet State University La Trinidad, Benguet, 2601 Philippines Dear Dr. Comila: Gempya Gendaw! (Good Day!) It is with the utmost respect and admiration that | address you in this correspondence. Allow me to extend my sincerest regards to you as the University President of Benguet State University. I take this opportunity to introduce you to the Municipality of Don Victoriano (Chiongbian), situated in Northern Mindanao, within the mountainous landscapes of the Province of Misamis Occidental. Don Victoriano prides itself as a 4th class Municipality, enriched by the cultural heritage of the Subanen Indigenous Peoples residing within the bounds of the Mount Malindang Range and Natural Park, acknowledged as the 3rd ASEAN Heritage Park of the Philippines. Don Victoriano stands as a vibrant hub, distinguished for its focus on agro, indigenous, and eco-tourism endeavors. Despite the geographical expanse separating our locales, itis noteworthy that our regions share significant similarities in elevation, temperature, and climate, thereby fostering a kinship in agricultural pursuits. Notably, agriculture serves as the cornerstone of our livelihoods, predominantly upheld by the diligent efforts of our Subanen Indigenous Tribes. However, we face persistent challenges in traditional farming practices, posing a threat to preserving our invaluable forest reserves. In my capacity as the Mayor of Don Victoriano since 2019, I have ardently championed the cause of sustainable farming, particularly within the Subanen Indigenous Communities, recognizing it as instrumental in advancing our shared Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout my tenure in public service spanning five years, concerted efforts have been dedicated to implementing local policies aimed at empowering the Subanen people by introducing innovative agricultural technologies, while concurrently safeguarding the integrity of our forest reserves. @ ssi0105.06 eR, © sonvctoriano:mayors@gmailcom oo BSENSO x aN I \yepublic of the hilippines oie of ‘em Qccitlental “Puniefpality ot Don ‘Victoriano * Despite these endeavors, there remains a journey ahead to realize our aspirations fully. Notably, in 2016, the Subanen IPs spearheaded the introduction of Strawberry Farming in Don Victoriano, drawing inspiration from the renowned Strawberry Capital of the Philippines, in La Trinidad, Benguet. In light of the foregoing, the Municipality of Don Victoriano will be having a comprehensive benchmarking initiative, accompanied by the formulation of strategic plans encompassing Gender and Development, Disaster and Risk Reduction Management, Tourism Development, and Agricultural Objectives for the year 2024. This endeavor is slated to take place in the City of Baguio and the Province of Benguet from March 11 to 15, 2024. I commend Benguet State University, under your steadfast leadership, for its pivotal role as one of the preeminent State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country, particularly in the realm of agriculture, notably the advancements in Strawberry farming. In this regard, we respectfully seek the assistance of Benguet State University in facilitating a brief educational tour of one of the university's esteemed strawberry farms. Such an immersive experience would undoubtedly enrich the knowledge and expertise of our Municipal Agriculturist, and key Department Heads, enabling us to glean invaluable insights to be applied back home in Mindanao, Anticipating a favorable response from your office. God Bless and Mabuhay! Respectfully yours, BERTOLDO J. MURALLON, JR., Municipal Mayor aan. sag (" ve @ ssss10-105.176 e \\ N