DA UNDERSECTARY VISITED THE BANGSAMORO REGION
COTABATO CITY | January 22, 2021
Undersecretary for regulations Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan of Department of Agriculture (DA) visited DA Regional Field Office XII and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (BARMMIARC) and met Minister Dr. Mohammad S. Yacob of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), January 22.
Director Engr. Ismail Guiamel of Agriculture sector, Director Taugan Kikay of Agrarian Reform sector and Mr. Tong Abas, Division Chief, field operation were present in the activity facilitated by MAFAR.
During the visit, Undersecretary and Minister inspects the DA RFO XII offices and facilities at Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City.
Mr. Kenneth Jay Aragana, Chemist and Mr. Bassit Dalandas, Laboratory Inspector of DA XII discussed to undersecretary and minister the capabilities of the laboratory with regards to examination of soils. If there will be a project, they need to focus on the basic needs of the farmers such as Micronutrients, analyzing of plant tissues, fertilizers, iron and zinc in order to determine the potential of soil.
“In accordance with the transition of BARMM, we are willing to train and share our knowledge in this filed to the trainees,” Aragana added.
Afterwards, they visit the BARMMIARC in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
“I need to be physically here in BARMM to visit on what we are losing and what are we giving in DA. We will have a full-blown report on this, so that we are to be accountable for everything and then we can formally push the turn over.” said Ampatuan.
While speaking, Ampatuan highlighted how the DA support MAFAR in direct program support, technical assistance and provision of specialized facilities, which aims to enhance the facilities of MAFAR regarding to agricultural aspect.
“Certain intervention can be provided to make this research station much more effective and improve; that is what we will be together with MAFAR.” said Ampatuan.
In conclusion the National Department of Agriculture adheres to support the MAFAR in terms of whole workforce to assist until the turnover ceremony.