MAFAR ACQUIRES NEW LEARNINGS ON THE OPERATIONALIZATION OF BAGSAKAN CENTERS, AGRIBUSINESS YOUTH PROGRAMS

As part of the ministry’s policy agenda on sustaining partnerships, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform of the BARMM Region through its Agribusiness Management and Assistance Division (AMAD) had acquired new learnings and insights through the Conduct of Lakbay Aral to Successful Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in Region XII.

Through the ministry’s close coordination with DA-AMAD XII, the activity was participated by regional and provincial AMAD personnel, extension workers, farmers’ cooperatives, and associations held on October 18-20, 2023, in General Santos City.

It aims to benchmark the operationalization of bagsakan centers and learn about the various agribusiness programs implemented, including the young farmer’s challenge.

This will also prepare for the market-related structure and bagsakan centers in Guindulungan and Sultan sa Barongis in Maguindanao, Masiu, and Ganassi in Lanao del Sur.

The activity was facilitated by DA-AMAD XII, headed by Chief Abdulkadil Ango, through the collaboration of the MAFAR-AMAD, headed by Chief Datu Hamsur J. Zaid.

Regional Technical Director for Research and Extension Dr. Lorna P. Vilbar, warmly welcomed the delegates from MAFAR and expressed her appreciation to all the participants for sharing their time and effort in the said activity.

The participants underwent and learned the operationalization of the City Food Terminal Multipurpose Cooperative (CFTEMCO) in General Santos City.

The City LGU illustrated the support given to the cooperative. Other expository tours center on the MBX Grapes Vineyard and RT Foods Manufacturing, the national winner of the Young Farmers Challenge.