COTABATO CITY – New agricultural facilities launched this month in the Bangsamoro region aim to strengthen livelihoods, boost incomes, and improve food security for farming and fishing communities.
Supported by the “Support Agriculture and Agribusiness Enterprises in Mindanao for Sustainable Development” project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao these facilities are part of a broader mission to enhance agribusiness value chains and elevate resilience in rural areas.
Community members from across the Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur gathered to witness the unveiling of these facilities, ranging from drying pavements to warehouses and even a feedlot, which are already bringing transformation to their daily lives and future potential.
Speaking on behalf of MAFAR Minister Mohammad Yacob, Ph.D., Dr. Daud Lagasi, a consultant at MAFAR, expressed appreciation, noting the life-changing impact of these developments. “With this drying facility, we anticipate that farmers will earn more from their harvests,” Lagasi said. “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.”
The new installations include multi-purpose drying pavements completed on August 30 are now supporting farmer cooperatives across Mindanao, including the Bangkeruhan Farmers’ Cooperative in Barangay Limbalod, Datu Montawal; the Morning Light Irrigators Association in Barangay Kilangan, Pagalungan; and the Kauyagan Farmers Association in Barangay Tariken, Sultan Mastura. The facilities are designed to protect crops, improve quality, and allow farmers to achieve better market prices.
A mini warehouse with a solar dryer was inaugurated on September 17 for the Looy Farmers Service Cooperative in Barangay Looy, South Upi, expanding storage and processing capacity for local harvests. A cattle feedlot dedicated to supporting halal practices was opened for the Tabun Halal Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, creating income-generating avenues that align with regional values and needs.
Local leader Renato Sarikit, the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator for South Upi, shared that the facilities are already helping to alleviate poverty by filling critical gaps in post-harvest infrastructure. “Even before this project officially
began, the focus on capacity-building ensured that residents were ready to take ownership. We’ve seen how training and knowledge transfer can empower us to manage agricultural activities and increase household income,” he noted. Sarikit highlighted the significant impact of wild yam processing, a profitable new activity that is directly benefiting the community.
The installation of these facilities signifies more than just infrastructure; they symbolize a larger effort to embed knowledge and ownership within the community. FAO’s procurement associate Edcelle Evangelio encouraged the community to be proactive in maintaining the facilities to ensure they serve their purpose well into the future. “MAFAR is here to support you with any maintenance needs,” Evangelio assured. “These facilities are here solely to bolster your livelihoods.”
Jason Cruzada of the Looy Farmers Association acknowledged the far-reaching impact of the new warehouse and dryer. “This support goes beyond us; it benefits all farmers, even those in nearby barangays. We thank KOICA, the BARMM government, and FAO for helping us take this step forward.”
The cooperative leaders also emphasized the sense of ownership introduced by this project. “This dryer was built by us and for us. It’s accessible to everyone, not just a few,” shared Abdulkadir Adam of the Kauyagan Farmers Association, explaining the cooperative’s
commitment to caring for the facility as a shared community asset.
For communities like Bangkeruhan, where the need for such resources has been longstanding, the knowledge gained through this project has already begun reshaping agricultural practices. “The knowledge and seminars brought light to our community,” Nasrudin Mohammad shared. “Farmers here rely heavily on corn, and the support from the Korean government has equipped us with the means to improve our produce and earnings.”
Kunawa Gandang from the Municipal Planning and Development Office of Datu Montawal echoed these sentiments, saying, “The support from KOICA is invaluable. The knowledge we’ve gained from this project is something we can build on for years to come.”
These facilities and the community’s growing expertise are promising signs of progress for South Upi, where leaders like Sarikit see increased accountability and organizational growth as CBOs adopt best practices and contribute to local governance. These collaborative efforts are already shaping a more resilient, prosperous future for Mindanao, marked by a renewed sense of unity and hope in agricultural empowerment.
The transformative nature of the project was also underscored by May Quesada, Municipal Planning Coordinator of Sultan Mastura. Quesada emphasized the project’s role in socio-economic development. “This project has made a significant difference in supporting
our farmers,” she said, highlighting its alignment with the town’s agro-development goals. “We have prioritized this project because it directly enhances the lives of our farmers. When adequately supported, these initiatives will lead to a significant improvement
in quality of life.”
Quesada shared a call to action, reinforcing the importance of supporting community-based organizations (CBOs). “Challenges may come, but we are committed to overcoming them. We will focus on monitoring and ensuring the community’s needs are met. This program is significant for building growth and replication for future generations.”
As the community looks ahead, its commitment to advancing peace and unity remains strong. “Our collective contribution is directed toward building food security and promoting peace in our communities,” shared FAO’s Coordinator for Mindanao Helen Rojas, reminding partners of their collective goal to build and sustain these gains for future generations.
She further encouraged local cooperatives to contribute to peacebuilding through food security. “Through resilient agriculture, we’re securing the health and nutrition of the region,” Rojas said. “We aim to empower communities to sustain this progress, promote
unity, and advance peace.”
The celebrations and expressions of gratitude symbolized a new era of resilience for BARMM. The communities now hold the tools and knowledge to transform agriculture, creating ripples of empowerment that touch lives across Mindanao. The event was not just a handover of facilities; it was a handover of hope, resilience, and a brighter future, Rojas said.
