Photo from MAFAR
COTABATO CITY—A total of 24 cooperatives and farmer associations from Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte were provided with 1,200 free-range native chickens by the BARMM Government on May 10-11.
The Halal Program of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) led the 2-day turnover event held at MAFAR-BARMMIAFRC, Simuay Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, and Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Each cooperative received 50 free-range native chickens from various towns in Maguindanao.
Engr. Saidona Lawan, Senior Agriculturist and Halal Program Head, expressed gratitude to Minister Mohammad Yacob for his unwavering support in realizing this program.
Lawan emphasized that a total of 7,900 native chickens will be distributed to beneficiaries in the BARMM region using GAAB 2022 Funds.
He also emphasized the positive impact these efforts would have on the community, stating, “We are delighted to contribute to the well-being of our community through this initiative.”
In addition to the provision of native chickens, the beneficiaries were also supplied with essential vitamins and received orientation on effective strategies for chicken farming.
This comprehensive approach aimed to equip farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to maximize productivity and income generation.
Farmers and associations expressed their deep appreciation to the Government of the Day for their timely intervention, recognizing the event as a significant boost to their families and associations’ economic stability.
The native chicken supply serves as an additional source of income, fostering financial resilience and prosperity within the farming community.
The MAFAR’s commitment to the potential benefits of free-range chicken farming is aligned with its objectives of promoting self-sufficiency, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
By providing a maximum number of chicken production along with Halal Compliant practices, the ministry aims to create a sustainable and thriving agricultural sector in the region.
Senior Agriculturist Saban Belongan, Norhid Wahab from the Commission on Audit (COA), and other dedicated staff from the ministry were also present at the distribution, which exemplifies the Government of the Day’s dedication to the success and long-term impact of this endeavor. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO with reports from MAFAR)
