CLARK FREEPORT -- The Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) and the Rotary Club of Mabalacat (RCM) have forged a partnership for the implementation of a farming program which will benefit at least 30 farmers in Pampanga.
In line with this, a memorandum of understanding was signed by KDF Executive Director Sylvia Ordonez and RCM President Anton Hernandez at The Meeting Place here Tuesday evening, August 15.
The KDF spearheaded the project dubbed KDF at 30 in celebration of its 30th anniversary.
Some 30 hectares of farmland will be developed into plantation of high- value crops and fruits like cacao, mangosteen, durian, hybrid coconuts, rambutan, and lanzones will be planted.
The KDF will sponsor 30 farmers in different parts of the province who don't have the financial capability to put up a model farm for other interested individuals and residents.
For fast revenue generation, farmers will be encouraged to plant vegetables and raise animals and fish in small ponds.
The farmer-beneficiaries will be provided with the latest and cost-effective technologies.
These include soil conditioning, pro biotic, organic fertilizers, drip irrigation, and water harvesting for the fish pens.
Ordonez said the KDF already coordinated the project with the Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, National Cacao Council, and Department of Trade and Industry.
KDF's other partners in the private sector include the Agri-Fisheries Alliance, and the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other Rotary clubs.
KDF President Benny Ricafort thanked the RCM for its support to the foundation.
The club also granted the KDF huge amount of money for its harelip and cleft palate surgery program where 1,622 children benefited.
Other programs the RCM supports are the KDF's prosthetics, wheelchair distribution, cataract extraction, eyeglass distribution, and others.