The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) conducts groundbreaking ceremony on October 11, 2024 to start the construction of ₱5.9-million seed storage facility in Barangay Inudaran Campong, Marantao, Lanao del Sur. (Photo from MAFAR-LDS).
LANAO DEL SUR — The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) conducted a series of groundbreaking ceremonies to launch agricultural infrastructure projects aimed at boosting local farming productivity.
On October 17, 2024, key projects funded under MAFAR’s Special Development Fund were launched in several municipalities. In Balindong, a cattle shed will be built for the Balindong Cormatan Produce Cooperative, while a goat shed is set for construction in Barangay Budas, Balabagan. These facilities aim to improve animal husbandry practices by providing secure housing for livestock, and supporting the production of high-quality meat and dairy products.
Camar Magandia, chairman of the Balindong Cooperative, expressed his gratitude for the project’s potential to significantly enhance their agricultural operations.
“This project will surely help enhance our agricultural operation,” Mangandia said.
In Marantao, a P5.9-million seed storage facility will be constructed in Barangay Inudaran Campong. Funded under the General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro (GAAB) 2023, the facility is expected to be completed by March 2025.
Chief Agriculturist Engr. Abdulgaphar Sansarona, who led the ceremony, emphasized that the storage facility will allow corn farmers to properly store their harvests and maintain the quality of seeds for future planting seasons.
“Marantao has extensive cornfields. This new facility will significantly improve the corn production in the area, especially for the farmers who consider this as their main livelihood,” Engr. Sansarona said.
“This project is part of the Department of Agriculture’s corn program,” he added.
The projects also garnered strong support from local officials. MAFAR’s Provincial Director, Atty. Khalid D. Ansano, and other community leaders highlighted the positive impact of these infrastructures on agricultural development in the province. The contractors also assured the public of delivering high-quality facilities.
These projects directly support local farmers by ensuring a stable food supply and higher-quality produce. Strengthening the agricultural sector is a key step toward addressing hunger and poverty in the region while paving the way for long-term economic growth and food security in BARMM. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
