COTABATO CITY (PIA) – The Bangsamoro government’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO), and the Government of Japan have joined efforts to intensify support for small-scale aquafarmers and fisheries in the Bangsamoro region.
Consequently, the partnership was solidified by the recent official signing of the project document titled “Development of Sustainable Fishery Value Chains in BARMM” between MAFAR-BARMM and UN-FAO.
In his message, MAFAR Minister Abunawas Maslamama emphasized that the project marks an important step in improving the productivity and resilience of aquaculture and fisheries enterprises in the region.
“As the main government counterpart of UN-FAO, MAFAR is grateful for the generous support of the Embassy of Japan and the continued trust of UN-FAO in supporting the goals of the Bangsamoro region. Our partnership is a demonstration of how collaborative international efforts will surely reach us for transformative change at the grassroots level,” he said.
The project is expected to benefit more than 4,000 aquaculture farmers and fisherfolk through hatchery development, cold storage infrastructure, halal aquafeed production, and technical training on value addition and biosecurity.
Supported by approximately $4.7 million in grants from the Government of Japan, the project not only supports fisheries in the region but also enhances livelihoods and resiliency while ensuring nutritious aquatic food for Bangsamoro families.
BARMM Senior Minister Dr. Mohammad Yacob, the former Minister of Agriculture, emphasized that the project demonstrates the region’s unified commitment to ensuring long-term food security and fostering economic inclusion.
“This initiative brings real opportunities to our fisherfolk and their families,” Yacob said, adding that “by investing in value chains and capacity building, we are shaping a more resilient future.”
According to the UN-FAO, the project encompasses infrastructure investments in hatcheries, cold chain systems, halal-certified aquafeed mills, and support for women’s entrepreneurship.
It also integrates value-added processing, aquatic biosecurity measures, and training for fisherfolk and MAFAR staff.
FAO Representative to the Philippines, Dr. Lionel Dabbadie, emphasized that the project’s goal is not only to support the region but also to position BARMM as a model for sustainable food systems throughout the Philippines.
“We see BARMM’s rich fisheries and aquaculture sector as a shining opportunity, and with this project, BARMM can demonstrate how a region emerging from conflict and challenges can transform its blue economy sector into a world-class example of sustainability and innovation,” Dabbadie pointed out.
Globally, the UN-FAO designates this project approach as “Blue Transformation,” which serves as the organization’s global framework for enhancing aquatic food systems through improved sustainability, equity, and climate resilience. (LTB, PIA Cotabato City)
