The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) held three groundbreaking ceremonies on January 7-8, 2025, in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur, Parang, and Kabuntalan in Maguindanao del Norte.
Led by MAFAR Director II for Fisheries Services, Macmod D. Mamalangkap, Ph.D. the events marked the start of the projects worth a total of PhP11.7 million. These include the rehabilitation of the Community Fish Landing Center (CFLCC) in Balabagan and the construction of Solar Ice Block Makers in Parang and Kabuntalan aims to reduce postharvest losses and improve the livelihood of fisherfolk.
In his message, Director Mamalangkap highlighted the importance of these projects for the fishing communities. “Through these initiatives, you will have a proper place to land your fish and enough ice supply to keep your catch fresh that will help sustain good market prices, and avoid losses,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hon. Mayor Cahar Ibay of Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Solar Ice Maker in Barangay Poblacion I. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and the community to ensure the projects’ success. “Let us work together to improve our lives and our community for a brighter future,” Mayor Ibay said.
The ceremonies were also attended by MAFAR Chief Aquaculturist for Fisheries Post-Harvest Management Division Johanna D. Guimba, RFP, MPA; Mother Kabuntalan Municipal Administrator Efrel Oric Midtimbang; barangay officials; MAFAR Municipal Officers and other MAFAR representatives.
