COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, under the leadership of Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., officially signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for the BARMM Cattle Agribusiness Value Chain Development Project on January 23, 2025.
The signing ceremony was held at Bajau Hall, Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC).
This transformative initiative is in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and South East Asian Agri-Tech Livestock Services (SEAALS) Agri-Food Co., Inc., aims to revolutionize the cattle agribusiness sector in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The project is designed to strengthen the cattle value chain, create economic opportunities, and promote sustainable livestock production across the region.
The Memorandum of Cooperation signifies the unified commitment of government agencies, private sector partners, and development organizations to innovate and expand BARMM’s agricultural and livestock industries. By tackling key challenges in the cattle value chain, the partnership seeks to enhance productivity, improve market access, and position BARMM as a competitive player in the cattle industry.
Minister Yacob highlighted the importance of the project in bolstering food security and fostering economic development in the region.
“This partnership is a testament to our collective dedication to transforming the agricultural sector in BARMM. By strengthening our cattle agribusiness value chain, we are not only empowering our farmers but also contributing to the sustainable development of our communities,” he said.
He also emphasized the potential for BARMM to become a key producer of halal products, stating, “We can establish processing facilities for milk production, enabling BARMM to support other regions with high-quality halal products.”
SEAALS Chief Executive Officer Leahey Bradley James expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, “This is a very important step for us at SEAALS. This is what we have been working to implement in the Philippines, and now we have the right path to start.”
The active involvement of SEAALS Agri-Food Co., Inc. and MinDA ensures the effective integration of public and private resources to maximize the project’s impact. The partnership aligns with BARMM’s broader vision of utilizing its agricultural potential as a catalyst for economic growth and regional self-sufficiency.
The event was attended by key officials, including Director General for Agriculture Services Engr. Esmail Guiamel, Director II for Research Development and Extension Services Tong Abas, and other MAFAR staff. Their presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring the success of the project.
Prior to the ceremony, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Office of Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim. This visit demonstrated the Chief Minister’s strong support for initiatives aimed at uplifting BARMM’s agricultural sector and improving the lives of farming communities.
As the BARMM Cattle Agribusiness Value Chain Development Project progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about its long-term benefits. By addressing the region’s food demands and improving farmer livelihoods, the initiative is poised to support the sustainable growth of BARMM’s cattle industry.
This project underscores the vital role of partnerships in achieving inclusive development, showcasing BARMM’s commitment to fostering a resilient and innovative agricultural sector that benefits local communities and the broader economy.
