THE PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME Inc. (PDAP), a non-government organization that supports community-based projects, has crafted a five-year plan to forge partnerships with private food companies as its primary donor, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will withdraw its financial support for the group over the next two years.

PDAP executive director Jerry Pacturan said in an interview that CIDA had provided 30 million Canadian dollars since the program’s inception 23 years ago.

But like many international donors, CIDA is shifting its focus to Africa, Cambodia and Indo-China, Pacturan said.

“Although financing will stop, [CIDA] will help in other ways,” Pacturan said. “CIDA has committed to introduce us to other donors.”

He said PDAP was seeking private companies willing to enter into direct supply partnerships with PDAP-supported farmers as part of their corporate social responsibility programs. This way, PDAP will not be dependent on donors to keep community projects going.

Pacturan said that PDAP has links with 3,000 organic rice farmers; 1,000 muscovado sugar producers; and 700 to 1,000 seaweed farmers.

These farmers can band together to supply food companies for niche products.

Pacturan said PDAP is also seeking support from the Department of Agriculture in terms of serving as a bridge to private firms.