COTABATO CITY – Several farmers and fisherfolks from across the region received farming inputs and equipment during the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform’s (MAFAR) region-wide celebration of the Bangsamoro foundation anniversary from Jan. 18-21.
MAFAR Minister Dr. Mohammad Yacob, together with Director for Agriculture Services Engr. Ismail Guiamel, turned over one (1) unit of huller machine worth Php150,000.00, one (1) unit of peanut sheller machine worth Php200,000.00, and 20,000 pieces of cacao seedlings to to MAFAR-Maguindanao Provincial Head Dr. Ronjamin Maunala.
The machines were turned over through the ministry’s Rice Banner Program and High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), in a ceremony held Wednesday, Jan. 20 at MAFAR compound, Bangsamoro Government Center, in the city.
During the program, the ministry also distributed 530 bags of palay seeds to beneficiaries form Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay in Maguindanao. The HVCDP also distributed 600 pieces of cacao seeds to Young Vegetable Growers Cooperative, 100 packs of assorted vegetable seeds to Salindao Farmers Marketing Cooperative, and additional 30 packs to farmers from Dimasimpan Salamat in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
Minister Yacob on Tuesday, Jan. 19, also distributed 538 bags of hybrid palay seeds worth P2.70 million to Salindao Farmers Coop in Shariff Aguak. On the same day, 112 bags of certified palay seeds, worth Php170,240.00, were given to Kakar Irrigators and Farmers Association Inc. from Datu Odin Sinsuat, while farmers from South Upi received 107 bags worth Php162,640.00
Furthermore, MAFAR also turned over one (1) unit shredder machine to Mibpulo Unified Agriculture Cooperative from Barangay Kaladturan in Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun municipality. Worth Php250,000.00, the machine was turned over through the ministry’s Organic Banner Program.
Meanwhile, MAFAR’s Fisheries sector headed by Dr. Macmod D. Mamalangkap, distributed 58,000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings to eight (8) cooperatives from the different municipalities of Maguindanao and two (2) beneficiaries from Biniruan, Cotabato City.
The fingerlings were coupled with 1 sack (10 kgs) of starter feeds. Bacolod Fishermen Cooperatives were the recipient of 20 sets of seaweeds farm implements/inputs complete with floaters, tie wires, and softie.
Two more cooperatives namely Camp Abubakar Farmers Marketing Cooperatives and Tangkolan Fishpond Association received 12 sacks (25 kgs) of starter and grower feeds. The distribution of seaweeds farm inputs and feeds was in collaboration with the Fisheries, Coastal Resources and Livelihood (FishCORAL) – Project.
In Tawi-Tawi, MAFAR Provincial Director, Dr. Aidarus Nami spearheaded Jan. 18 the distribution of assorted vegetable seeds, banana suckers, cassava stalks, fishing and seaweeds inputs and paraphernalia to its target beneficiaries.
Additionaly, MAFAR Tawi-Tawi also rendered free animal health services such as vaccination, deworming, and distribution of vitamins to animals, and free Agrarian Justice Services.
Meanwhile in Basilan, MAFAR distributed to agri-fishery inputs to farmers beneficiaries. They were given gardening tools, assorted vegetable seeds, fruit tree seedlings, fertilizers, dry goods, as well as tavel allowance. Basilan also held a forum on sustainable roadmap for food safety and security.
MAFAR’s provincial office in Lanao del Sur offered their livestock programs and legal aid clinics to address issues relevant to agrarian laws implementation. Meanwhile, MAFAR-Sulu joined the anniversary celebration by showcasing their grandiose MAFARLENGKE.
MAFARLENGKE, or Local Exchange and Network of Goods in any Kind of Emergency, is one of the flagship programs of the ministry wherein fresh and processed agri-fishery products from various farmers and fisherfolks cooperatives are showcased and sold at affordable prices.
MAFAR opened the MAFARLENGKE exhibit across the region’s five provinces, including on its regional office in Cotabato City.
‘MAFARLENGKE sa BGC’ or Bangsamoro Government Center earned a total of P326,239.00 total gross sale from Jan. 18 – 21. It was participated by 31 cooperatives, including agencies such as Philippine Coconut Authority Islamic Relief Philippines, and the Ministry of Social Services and Development.
Minister Yacob ensured to provide more opportunities to the Bangsamoro people and uphold self-sufficiency, food security, and intensify the production of basic commodities and other food sources in the region.
“We will even ramp up the delivery of basic services that our people deserve. Let us continue working together as we aim to provide more sustainable and conducive livelihood programs for our farmers, fisherfolks, and agrarian reform communities in the Bangsamoro region,” he said. (Bangsamoro Information Office)
