Photo by Michael Camsa
COTABATO CITY—To alleviate the farmers’ living conditions and ensure food security in the autonomous region, the Bangsamoro Government on June 6 distributed cheques worth Php100,000.00 to each of the farmers from 30 cooperative beneficiaries.
Dubbed as Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Loan for the Enhancement of Necessary Development Strategy (MAFARLENDS), the program offered an uncollateralized loans of up to Php100,000.00, payable in three years with a zero-percent interest rate and 6-month grace period.
MAFAR Minister Mohammad Yacob said the assistance shall serve as immediate capital of the beneficiaries to look for a better business opportunity and to earn more income in attaining a better living.
“Under the supervision of our Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, BARMM is dreaming to have successful farmers that could live more decent lives, a farmer that could send their students to study in standard schools, could eat well, and even have enough savings for shopping in malls,” Yacob said.
MAFAR Director-General for Agriculture Services Daud Lagasi underscored that MAFARLENDS is one of the important programs of the ministry to help the farmers and fisherfolk by providing start-up capital thru loans but without any interest.
“Let us erase our previous mindset that a loan is free. It is a debt and responsibility to be paid later but in a staggered and more easy way to pay,” Lagasi said.
He reminded the beneficiaries that while a loan can help in their income, they must always remember to repay their loans as a responsible practice.
Meanwhile, MAFARLENDS Chief Agriculturist Datu Hamsur Zaid recognized farmers and fisherfolk their contributions in the society, emphasizing that they are truly living heroes of the region and nation.
“Your hard work and dedications are indeed to be valued. Providing you with this loan assistance is a big help to you to increase your production and income,” he said.
MAFAR Provincial Director Ronjamin Maulana expressed that all the programs and services of the ministry even during the planning stage are aligned to help every farmer and fisherfolk in the region.
“Rest assured that we will monitor the implementation of this loan to ensure that it is properly used and utilized to its purpose,” Maulana said.
During the event, the team invited a Muslim Cleric, Ustadj Samir Badawi, who reminded the lenders by stressing, ”A good Muslim is one who pays his debt on time.”
While funding support and loan assistance for micro and small enterprises engaged in agri and fisheries production, the Government of the Day continues to supply chain activities to ensure availability of food supply in the region. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
