Solidagro and CSO partners in the Province of East Flanders
In February 2025, we celebrated a significant milestone—the 30th anniversary of collaboration between the Province of East Flanders and the Cordillera Region in the Philippines, along with partners from Esmeralda in Ecuador and Rwanda. A week-long learning exchange was organized from February 10 to 16, 2025, showcasing the deep-rooted partnership and shared commitment to sustainable development, food security, and human rights-based approaches to cooperation.
The commemoration witnessed the participation of the current and former executive directors of the CDPC from the Cordillera region. Additionally, one representative from Esmeralda and five delegates from Rwanda were present, joined by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) funded by the Province, including Solidagro, the Belgian NGO partner of the Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC).
Highlights of the Learning Exchange
South partners – Cordillera region, Esmeralda, and Rwanda
The learning exchange was marked by inspiring discussions and exchanges of best practices. It was particularly encouraging to learn about the support provided by local governments in Rwanda, which includes co-funding a commercial building for a cooperative selling agricultural products. Esmeralda (Ecuador) partners highlighted their microfinancing on cacao production. On the other hand, Rwandan (South Rwanda) partners emphasized their engagement in cooperatives such as marketing agricultural products, sustainable food system (small scale livestock farming ), sanitary water improvement, assistance to people with disabilities, and project to improve on health care.
From the Cordillera perspective, CDPC presented its focus on enhancing food security among Indigenous Peoples through support for subsistence agricultural production. The local agricultural products, especially rice, are primarily consumed by families, with no surplus available for marketing. Furthermore, we discussed the ongoing efforts by the Cordillera people’s social movement to resist large-scale destructive projects, such as those related to renewable energy and mining, which jeopardize food security and sovereignty, infringing on the rights of Indigenous communities. As highlighted by the Food and Agriculture Organization, we reaffirm that “the world cannot feed itself sustainably without Indigenous Peoples.”
Half of the Cordillera territory, approximately 900,000 hectares, is mountainous forests is home to around 600,000 Indigenous individuals, who rely on Indigenous agriculture and food systems that are intricately linked to the protection of forests, watersheds, rivers, and biodiversity—elements critical for modulating climate change. By supporting Indigenous knowledge systems and agroecological practices, we simultaneously foster the conservation of these vital ecosystems.
A significant highlight of the exchange was the exposure to De Kromme Boom, a mushroom production enterprise that exemplifies social employment by employing individuals with disabilities, refugees, and others facing employment challenges. The local government of Ghent supports this initiative by covering 60% of the workers’ salaries, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility in employment practices.
We felt nostalgic for the past as we dined with those who championed the strategic collaboration and continued after their retirement and those who persisted and were looking for ways to broaden the partnership further.
Meeting with Deputy Joke Schauvlieghe
Cordillera partners with Deputy Joke Schauvlieghe and Pascal Van Driessche of Solidagro
We were fortunate to have an audience with Deputy Joke Schauvlieghe, the new deputy for development cooperation of the Province, whose advocacy centers on sustainable food systems. CDPC and its partners shared achievements over the past 30 years, highlighting both successes and ongoing challenges in the context of collaboration.
In a separate discussion with the officer from the agriculture department, we were informed about the average size of farms in the Province, which is approximately 27 hectares, primarily consisting of family holdings and specialized farms engaged in pig breeding, poultry, dairy production, vegetables, and ornamental plants. The government’s strategic investments in research and development, innovation, and green regulations aimed at preserving biodiversity were particularly noteworthy. However, the absence of a farmer’s voice in these discussions was felt; hearing directly from farmers about their challenges would have enriched the exchange.
30 years of partnership
CDPC with pioneers of the PEF-South partnership
The 30 years of collaboration between the Province of East Flanders and the Cordillera Region, alongside the contributions of Solidagro, have fostered a shared commitment to human rights-based development cooperation tailored to the specific context of the Cordillera region and the Philippines. This partnership is characterized by equitable collaboration grounded in mutual trust and transparency.
This milestone event not only commemorates the past but also sets the foundation for future collaborative efforts aimed at fostering sustainable development and empowering communities.
Unexpectedly, during the learning exchange mission, a march rally was organized in Brussels that gathered approximately 100,000 participants, accordingly making it the largest gathering in a decade. The crowd protested against the austerity measures proposed by the newly elected government officials, which included the controversial proposal to raise the retirement age to 67.
On a personal note, the beauty of the snowy landscape during the exchange left a lasting impression. The joy of watching children building snowmen evoked a sense of wonder and unity, as we collectively captured these moments through photographs and videos, celebrating not only our work achievements but also the simple joys of life amidst the backdrop of collaboration. #cdpckordilyera.org