COMMITMENT TO A CONVERGENCE PROGRAM WITH MENRE, MILG, BPDA, WFP, OFFICIALIZED BY THE MAFAR

With its strong commitment to be of contribution to the attainment of food security in the Bangsamoro, the MAFAR, through Minister Dr Mohammad S. Yacob, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the MENRE, MILG, and the World Food Programme of the United Nations (UN-WFP) for the implementation of a model convergence program today, July 29, 2020 held at the BPDA Conference Room, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City.

The activity was an initial step in ensuring self-reliant, self-sustaining, and food-secured Bangsamoro through the MENRE’s programs called ‘Integrated Bangsamoro Greening Program (IBGP)’ and Kayod Ka, Bangsamoro (KKB)’ wherein the MAFAR and the other partnering agencies shall be of significant assistance.

The MAFAR, through its program ‘Basic Integration of Harmonized Intervention (BINHI)’, will ensure the supply of vegetable seeds, conduct of necessary farmers’ training, and establishment of market linkages to make sure the beneficiaries will have increased income. Meanwhile, the MILG will implement and mainstream the Convergence Area Development Plan among Local Government Units (LGUs) and the target communities.

On the other hand, the UN-WFP shall continue to provide assistance to the partnering ministries in the development and augmentation of the convergence model.

Aside from Minister Yacob, the historic MOA signing was led by BARMM Executive Secretary and MENRE Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua, BPDA Director General Mohajirin T. Ali, MILG Minister Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo represented by Dir. Khalid Dumagay, and WFP Deputy Country Director Mats Persson (via Zoom), personally represented by WFP Cotabato Sub-Office Head Dr Mishael Q. Argonza.