DAVAO ORIENTAL – In a significant effort to support former combatants, 15 units of modified Payao were handed over to the fisherfolk cooperative on July 31, 2024, in Barangay Lucatan, Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
The project, proposed by Roy Lopez, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front – Political Committee (MILF-PolCom) in Davao Oriental, was realized through close coordination with the Local Government of Davao Oriental.
Chief of the Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Amador A. Tandalong, highlighted the project’s success as a testament to the dedication of cooperatives formed by former combatants now focused on fishing.
“This initiative, under the Bangsamoro Special Development Fund and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), aims to support former MILF/MNLF combatants and conflict-affected areas,” said Chief Tandalong.
Roslainie Mamalaguia, MAFAR-SDF Program Officer, emphasized the project as a reflection of the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment, led by Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, Al-hadj, to uplift local communities of farmers and fisherfolks through MAFAR under the leadership of Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D.
“We in the Bangsamoro Government hope that through these interventions, you will see an increase in your sources of income, benefiting each family of former combatants. This is one of the fruits of our efforts to achieve lasting peace not only in the Bangsamoro region but also in its neighboring areas,” Mamalaguia said.
Barangay Chairman of Lucatan, Hon. Rey B. Tambuco, expressed his gratitude for the support provided to their community by the Bangsamoro Government.
“We are deeply thankful for this project and for including us in your development programs even though we are no longer part of the BARMM territory.”
Municipal Mayor of Tarragona, Hon. Sammy Uy, in his message emphasized the good partnership between the Bangsamoro region and the municipality of Tarragona.
“Any support we can provide to implement your projects here in our municipality, just let us know. As long as it is for the betterment and progress of the people of Tarragona, we are on board,” said Mayor Uy.
The Modified Payao with complete accessories were turnover to Kalagan Farmers and Fisherfolk Association and BRACES, Inc. of Barangay Lucatan, Tarragona.
