MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Key representatives from the Bangsamoro Food Security Task Force (BFSTF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) evaluated the implementation of the Bangsamoro Food Security and Nutrition Plan (BFSNP) 2023-2028 on Jan. 27-30, 2025, at Go Hotels, Lanang, in Davao City.
The BFSNP 2023-2028 aims to achieve a self-reliant, food- and nutrition-secure, and resilient Bangsamoro, aligning with the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) 2023-2028 and national food security policies.
Chief Economic Development Specialist Rohanisah Rashid emphasized the need to assess the Food Security Convergence Program to gauge progress, set priorities, and strengthen collaboration strategies.
Rashid highlighted that BARMM recorded the highest percentage of households experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity in 2024, at 48.2 percent, citing data from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).
“This would mean, that we would need to have a whole of government approach to address our issues and concerns on food insecurity in the BARMM,” she said.
“We must strengthen our convergence approach to address these issues and see the impact of our program implementation,” Rashid added.
MAFAR Director General Ismail Guiamel shared the task force’s history from its humble beginnings as a small study group to the formulation of the FSN Roadmap and BFSNP 2023-2028.
He mentioned that the BARMM is considering establishing a Halal Dairy Farm to supply dairy products for various feeding programs to be implemented by different Bangsamoro ministries, offices, and agencies.
Meanwhile, Lyca Sarenas, head of the WFP Cotabato Sub-Office, stressed that addressing food insecurity concerns in BARMM requires a shared responsibility among all ministries, and the BARMM government will remain in the lead.
“You can expect that the WFP and other development partners will be reliable in this kind of work. The BARMM government is still leading. The development partners are right behind you, but the directions will come from you,” she emphasized.
The Bangsamoro Food Security Task Force (BFSTF), chaired by MAFAR and vice-chaired by BPDA, serves as a bridge among sectors and development partners to address food insecurity in BARMM.
The task force is strengthening partnerships with regional ministries, international organizations, and development partners like WFP, UNICEF, and UNFAO to fund priority food security programs in the region. (BIO/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
