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COTABATO CITY – In a strategic move to bolster local food production and catalyze economic advancement, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) has embarked on a transformative initiative designed to reshape the fisheries sector. Through a turnover ceremony conducted on November 14, 2023, with representatives from the Special Development Fund – Project Management Office (SDF-PMO), fishing gear and equipment were distributed to select cooperatives at the MAFAR regional office, Cotabato City.
The said projects were funded under the SDF FY 2021 with the aim of optimizing fish capture production and resulting to a positive economic development in the Bangsamoro region.
Three cooperatives from Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte stand as the inaugural beneficiaries of this initiative. The Magapas Farmers Association from Brgy. Matengen received an allocation of 20 units of fish crates, a measure intended to equip them with the essential tools to optimize fish capture production. Meanwhile, the Bula-Bula Farmers Multi-Purposes Cooperative from Brgy. Katamlangan not only received 25 units of fish crates but also benefited from the acquisition of a delivery truck, a strategic enhancement for efficiency. The Bangsamoro Pre-Commissionship Batch 1 Marketing Cooperative from Brgy. Bungabong experienced a substantial upgrade with the reception of 30 units of fish crates along with an additional delivery truck.
In an interview, Sir Hamad Omar, representing the Bangsamoro Pre-Commissionship Batch 1 Marketing Cooperative, expressed gratitude, asserting, “𝘒𝘢𝘮𝘪 𝘱𝘰 𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵, 𝘪𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘰 𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯.” Such sentiments underscore the far-reaching impact of initiatives like these on the economic landscape and the livelihoods of cooperative members.
Furthermore, the SDF-PMO ensures accountability in implementing projects, emphasizing the judicious use of public funds for the common good. This reinforces a commitment to transparent and efficient execution, showcasing the pivotal role of responsible governance in driving positive change for the Bangsamoro region.