A total of 20 organized farmers’ cooperatives each received one unit of farm tractor with rotavator in line with this year’s BARMM 5th foundation anniversary celebration. (Michael Camsa/BIO)
COTABATO CITY— As part of the 5th foundation anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a total of 20 organized farmers’ cooperatives each received one unit of farm tractor with rotavator from the regional government on January 22 in a turnover ceremony held here.
With a total cost of P30.9 million, the distribution of farm implements was executed through Project Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangaingailangan (TABANG) — one of the flagship programs of Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim that extends immediate support to the Bangsamoro people within and outside the region.
Assistant Senior Minister Abdullah Cusain explained in an interview that the regional government solely funded the procurement of the tractors, without any contribution required from the beneficiaries.
“Procurement is solely funded by the government and our only hope is that these tractors will be used according to its purpose,” Cusain said.
Sadat Esmael of BIAF Olas Producers Cooperative in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte shared that since the inception of their organization, they have long been aspiring to have a tractor.
“Majority of our members rely on farming hence having a tractor would be a big help for us,” Esmael shared.
He emphasized that while the implement is freely given to them by the BARMM government, their members who wish to use it would still be required to contribute a minimal amount for machine maintenance.
In addition to the turn-over of farm tractors, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) also handed 37 trash bins for the 37 barangays in Cotabato City, land titles, seedlings and covered court, a warehouse with solar dryer, and a waiting shed. These were provided courtesy of the Support to Local Moral Governance (SLMG) of the Office of the Chief Minister.
BARMM was established on January 21, 2019 owing to the ratification of the Republic Act 11054, signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. (Abdullah Matucan/BIO)
