The MAFAR is signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT) for the joint conduct of Regional Coconut Days: Coco Bazaar, MAFARLENGKE, and Regional Coconut Industry Stakeholders Forum and Business Matching and Counselling come August 25-27, 2020 at the MAFAR Covered Court, BGC, Cotabato City.

The signing is between MAFAR Minister Dr Mohammad S. Yacob, PCA Regional Manager Marina B. Wahab, and MTIT Minister Abuamri A. Taddik.

This year’s celebration of the 34th Coconut Week is unique accordingly as it will be done at the regions and provinces in varied ways and it will be done in collaboration with partner agencies for synergy of worthwhile interventions and activities.

Minister Yacob said the ministry recognizes the significance of the coconut growers and the industry as it constitutes about two thirds or 67% of the total agricultural areas in the Bangsamoro Region.

“We will help in facilitating the conduct of the coconut week celebration, help in capacitating the producers on how to manage the cocolisap insect pest, and we will assist in the ensuring the establishment of coconut processing centers”, added Minister Yacob.

The Coco Bazaar shall feature the display of different coco-based products hand-made by Bangsamoro communities in the BARMM.
These shall include traditional and non-traditional, and food and non-food products so witj technologies that will improve the production and marketability of coconut products.