Recipients signs the loan contract during the Loan for Enhancement for Necessary Development Strategy (MAFARLENDS) cheque distribution ceremony on August 27, 2024 in Cotabato City. (Photo courtesy of MAFAR)
COTABATO CITY—Twenty-three farmer cooperatives each received ₱100,000 through the MAFARLENDS Program from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) on Aug. 27, during a ceremony held in this city.
The Loan for Enhancement for Necessary Development Strategy (MAFARLENDS) program aims to uplift the economic conditions of farmers and fisherfolk in the Bangsamoro region by providing funding for agriculture and fisheries enterprises, especially in remote areas.
The program offers ₱100,000 in working capital to qualified farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives, with 0% interest and a three-year repayment period.
MAFAR Minister Dr. Mohammad Yacob emphasized the ministry’s commitment to fostering the economic growth and development of every farmer, fisherfolk, and agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) in the Bangsamoro region.
“We are hopeful that all the assistance and resources provided by the ministry will greatly contribute to boosting your cooperative’s operations and ensuring its long-term success,” he said.
“As part of our mandate to support farmers and fisherfolk in achieving their goals and improving their livelihoods, we are proud to serve as a key instrument in enhancing your quality of life,” he added.
The farmer cooperatives benefiting from the loan program are from Maguindanao del Sur and del Norte (14), Lanao del Sur (5), Sulu (2), and Tawi-Tawi (2).
Director General for Fisheries Services Pendatun Patarasa said that the loans would help increase income for the cooperatives.
“I hope this will help your business generate more income. The government will be your partner at all times. In return, you will be responsible for taking care of it, maintaining and boosting your coop,” DG Patarasa said.
Muslimin Salih, chairman of the Magungaya Sa Langgapanan Farmer Fisherfolk Cooperative, expressed gratitude to MAFAR and the BARMM Government for their support.
“This check will be used to enhance our agri-fishery business,” he said. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO with reports from MAFAR)
