Welcome Remarks - Nestor Carbonera

Respected guests, participants, and, organizers, a pleasant morning to all of you.
Let me first extend my deepest gratitude to all of you for attending this worthwhile event.

I will read for you a statement of Fr. Djekstra during the 1974 DHRRA Workshop. And I quote, “small groups become big groups when linked together by a common purpose and their strong potential is seen within the perspective of small autonomous units pursuing their own development in their own localities and among their own people and communities.” Fr. Djeskstra is one of the founders of the DHRRA Networks.
It is that concept of unifying small groups that gave solid foundations for the DHRRA networks today. Indeed, we can say that the 1974 DHRRA Workshop have gone so far from simply collating small partnerships to bringing together stronger and bigger networks in Asia. I believe representatives of some DHRRA networks are present today. And, these networks are now assisting small groups of farmers for their sustainable development.

It is my sincerest hope that our legacy and enthusiasm as DHRRA networks be passed on to these groups of small farmers gathered here with us today; that these small groups of producers may become bigger and more developed.

Today we will have presenters who will talk about the importance of commodity-based associations in successfully engaging with the market. Let us be inspired of their stories. Let the desire of achieving greater position in the mainstream market drive us to become self-reliant, more productive and efficient.

On behalf of the Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas, I warmly welcome you to this event. I wish that your stay will be fruitful and productive. We are fortunate to have this meaningful event here in Cagayan de Oro City, which is known for being the City of Golden Friendship. I do wish that more than friendship, we can facilitate stronger linkages and mechanisms that hill facilitate development of our small producers.

Before I end, allow me to greet you the way Filipinos usually greet our guests, mabuhay po kayong lahat! That means, long live. Long live all your missions and dreams.

Again, thank you and good day!