COTABATO CITY – In line with the celebration of the 6th Bangsamoro Foundation Day, with the theme, “Salamat, BARMM: Pagpupugay sa Anim na Taong Paglilingkod sa Bangsamoro,” the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) reaffirmed its commitment to empowering farmers and fisherfolk in the Bangsamoro region through the ceremonial awarding of Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) and the turnover of agricultural and fisheries equipment. This took place during the opening program of the weeklong celebration on January 20, 2025, at the Bangsamoro Government Center.
MAFAR Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., together with Director Generals Engr. Ismail A. Guaimel of Agriculture Services, Pendatun S. Patarasa of Fisheries Services, and Dr. Taugan S. Kikay of Agrarian Reform Services, led the ceremonial activities.
A total of 162 Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) with 305.9005 hectares were distributed to 318 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from Special Geographic Areas, while 10 CLOAs with 12.2104 hectares were awarded to 10 ARBs in Maguindanao del Norte. These land titles empower farmers to gain full ownership of the land they cultivate, fostering long-term security and sustainable livelihoods.
To further support the agricultural sector of BARMM, 80 units of farm tractors were turned over to farmers’ cooperatives of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Lanao del Sur under the supplemental fund of the BTA Parliament. These modern farming tools are expected to enhance efficiency in land preparation, allowing farmers to boost productivity and expand cultivated areas.
Meanwhile, fisherfolk from Cotabato City and Maguindanao del Sur and Norte were provided with essential fisheries inputs to improve their livelihoods. MAFAR distributed 50,000 Bangus fingerlings with 135 sacks of feeds, 10 rolls of fishing nets, 10 cooler boxes, 15 cast nets, 3 rolls polynet, 5 insulated boxes (1,000L capacity), a 1 unit of fish vending set (which includes a fish stall, insulated boxes, and weighing scales), 1 set fish processing equipment, and a 1 unit of heavy-duty vacuum sealer.
These initiatives highlight MAFAR’s dedication to strengthening the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk as a cornerstone of the Bangsamoro region’s economic growth.
Through these meaningful programs, BARMM, under the leadership of Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, Al-hadj, continues to uphold its promise of delivering tangible services to the Bangsamoro people, celebrating six years of unity, progress, and service under the theme of gratitude and commitment.
“Alhamdulillah, umabot tayo ng anim na taon, anim na taon na nakita natin na we have tried our best in order to succeed,” Chief Minister Ebrahim said in his keynote message during the opening program of the weeklong celebration, reflecting on the government’s efforts over the past six years and its ongoing commitment to honor the sacrifices and struggles of the Bangsamoro people.
As Chief Minister Ebrahim reported, BARMM is no longer the poorest region in the country, the ministry continues to take steps to further strengthen the livelihoods of Bangsamoro farmers and fisherfolk, with the goal of boosting and sustaining the economy of the Bangsamoro region.
