COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Government through its Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) turned over on Oct. 3-7, processing equipment and repaired production area worth Php7-million to ten (10) identified cooperatives in various municipalities in Lanao del Sur.
Director-General Abdulrakman Asim, Chief of Staff Badria Lidasan, Provincial Director Alinader Saranggani, and Local Chief Executives (LCEs) led the ceremonial distribution of equipment which aimed to improve the cooperatives’ production, uplift the lives of Bangsamoro communities, food security and halal compliance.
Director-General Asim stressed that the cooperatives should adhere to good manufacturing practices to ensure a better supply and quality products, as raw materials are abundant in the province.
The ten recipient cooperatives are the following:
1. Malabang Women Vendors Producer Cooperative
2. Ittihad Ranao Ragat Women Vendors Marketing Cooperative
3. Noble Action for Social Reforms
4. Marhaba Marketing Coop
5. Tugaya Rawaten Women Traders Producers Coop.
6. Bolodan Stitcher and Weavers Producers Cooperative
7. Mamaan Mujahidden Agriculture Coop
8. Datu Saber People of Marawi Livelihood Service Cooperative
9. Camalig SWC Women Producer Cooperative
10. Langi Talub Darussalam Social Welfare Committee Service Coop
One of the cooperative members said they are committed to securing and protecting the project through proper management and maintenance.
Meanwhile, Madamba Mayor Maclane Mindalano said: “Let us support any programs and projects given to our Municipality from donors, particularly the Bangsamoro Government.”
“The LGU is committed to bringing this project into its purpose, which is to uplift the economic crises of our marginal people,” Mindalano added.
The cooperatives produced native foods and handicrafts such as palapa, turmeric, fish, sweet peanuts, and banana in the municipalities of Lanao del Sur such as Malabang, Picong, Madamba, Saguiaran, Tugaya, Lumbayanague, Piagapo, Marawi City, Marantao, and Masiu.
To improve their manufacturing lines and skills, the Ministry is training them on Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP), Food Safety and Halal Awareness, and Packaging and Labelling.
Further, they also adhere to minimum requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acquire the latter’s license to operate and be halal-compliant. (Majid Nur/BIO)
