In a significant move to support the livelihood activities of farmers and fisherfolks, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), through its Gender and Development (GAD) program, successfully handed over various set of post-harvest materials to cooperatives and associations in Maguindanao Sur and Norte from September 4-6, 2024.
Diana A. Manalasal, MAFAR-GAD Focal, led the turnover ceremony, distributing post-harvest materials for pancit making to various cooperatives, including the Iranun SWC Women’s Marketing Association of Parang, the South Barira Women’s Sector Agriculture Cooperative of Barira, and the Upakat u Bangsa Bae sa Mataya Cooperative of Buldon, Maguindanao del Sur.
Another set of post-harvest materials was also given to cooperatives in Maguindanao del Sur, including the Magapas Langon Farmers’ Cooperative of Guindulungan.
In addition, the Poblacion Tulunan Farmers Association of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Brgy. Campo Bangsamoro Agriculture Cooperative of GSKP, Magungaya sa Langgapan Agriculture and Fisherfolk Marketing Cooperative of Sultan sa Barongis, Pinalen Farmers Fisherfolks Producer Cooperative, and Banana Planters & Farmers Association of Rajah Buayan received one unit of water pump with a tank.
Diana A. Manalasal highlighted the impact of these materials on the livelihood of the cooperatives, stating, “These post-harvest materials are essential tools that empower our cooperatives and associations to enhance their production and income-generating activities. By providing them with the necessary equipment, we help ensure that they can process their produce more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase their market competitiveness.”
The provision of these materials aims to strengthen the economic resilience of the cooperatives and associations, enabling them to maximize their agricultural and livelihood potential while contributing to the overall development of the Bangsamoro region.
