COTABATO CITY (PIA) — The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, or UNFAO, has strengthened its commitment to supporting the Philippine government’s efforts to sustain peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.
In line with this, the UNFAO recently handed over various agricultural projects to five community-based organizations, or CBOs, from the municipalities of Datu Montawal, Pagalungan, and South Upi in Maguindanao del Sur, as well as in Parang and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao del Norte.
The Republic of Korea funds the projects under the UNFAO’s Support to Agriculture and Agri-Business Enterprises in Mindanao for Sustainable Development Project, which supports the government’s efforts toward sustainable peace and development in Mindanao.
Helen Rojas, UNFAO coordinator for Mindanao, emphasized that these projects will significantly impact not only their mandate but also the Philippine government’s vision to boost food security, nutrition, and the promotion of agriculture.
“Significantly, when we have empowered further or strengthen itong mga CBOs na ito, they will be the government’s partners and FAO’s partners in pursuing, promoting and ensuring food security, nutrition, and agriculture. So, in a way, the gains of this project will contribute to the attainment of the very mandate of the FAO,” she said.
The Bangkeruhan Farmers’ Cooperative, Morning Light Irrigators Association, Kauyagan Farmers Association, Looy Farmers’ Service Cooperative, and Tabun Halal Multi-Purpose Cooperative were among the recipients of the projects, which included three multipurpose drying pavements, a mini warehouse with a solar dryer, and a cattle feedlot.
Representing Mohammad Yacob, the minister of the Bangsamoro government’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), Dr. Daud Lagasi, a consultant of the MAFAR, expressed appreciation for the projects and highlighted the life-changing impact of these developments.
“These facilities not only enhance crop quality but also provide a sustainable income source, enabling parents to fund their children’s education and support family development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Adam Abdulkadir Tuga, president of the Kauyagan Farmers Association and beneficiary of multipurpose drying pavement, thanked the UNFAO for the project that he believes would boost farmers’ productivity.
“Maraming salamat sa UNFAO sa tulong na binigay nila sa amin, sa Kauyagan Farmers Producer Cooperative. Malaking tulong ito sa amin lalong lalo na sa araw-araw na pangangailangan namin,” he stated.
(Thank you very much to the UNFAO for the help they provided to us. This is a tremendous help to us, especially for our daily needs.) (LTB – PIA Cotabato City)
