MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Beneficiaries of the Abaca Shared Service Facility (SSF) are grateful to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism (MTIT) of the Bangsamoro government, saying such assistance will help improve their production and sales.

"Maraming-maraming salamat po sa MTIT dahil kung hindi sa MTIT ay medyo yung abaca fiber dito sa municipality sa Piagapo baka magaya sa Calanogas. Sa tulong ng MTIT medyo nakakabangon yung abaca dito sa municipality," said Hadji Malic Datumanong, chairperson of Lusod Multi-purpose Cooperative. 

(Thank you to MTIT because if it weren't for MTIT, the abaca fiber here in the municipality of Piagapo might be like in Calanogas. With the help of MTIT, the abaca industry can recover a bit here in the municipality)

The cooperative members are also positive that, through the new abaca facilities, their production of abaca fibers will improve and that more people will benefit from it.

The SSF recipients also extended their gratitude to the local government of Piagapo for supporting abaca farmers.

"Sa aming mahal na Mayor, sana hindi siya magsawang tumulong sa amin na mga abaca farmers kasi alam namin na ito yung paraan na maaabot namin ang mga pangarap namin sa buhay," said Badria P. Dimacaling, chairperson, Basak Farm Producer Cooperative.

(To our dear mayor, I hope he doesn't get tired of helping us abaca farmers because we know that this is the way we can reach our dreams in life)

Dimacaling also hopes for MTIT to continue assisting abaca farmers in the municipality.

MTIT turned over the Abaca SSF, May 16. The SSF consisted of a collapsible dryer with storage room, two mobile abaca spindle stripping machines, and seven grass cutters with complete accessories. (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)