MAFAR CONDUCTS PLANTING FESTIVAL, FARMERS PARTICIPATE IN TRANSPLANTING RACE

Participants of the planting festival conducted by the MAFAR today (July 6, 2020) in Barangay Damalusay, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, yelled as they watched eight of the farmer-beneficiaries struggle in an exciting race.

The planting race followed the first one in Salipada K. Pendatun and it has become a lively part of the festival under the 50-Hectare Model Farm on Inbred Rice Production that showcases the performance of the variety NSIC Rc222 or Tubigan 18.

Farmer Maya Ismail won the race, followed by Anwar Labalos and the other six farmer-contenders and they all received cash incentives.

Tong A. Abas, MAFAR Regional Rice and Seed Focal Person, said 50 bags of Registered rice seeds with 250 bags of fertilizers were given to the farmer-cooperators of the demo farm with a ratio of one bag rice seeds to three bags complete and two bags urea fertilizer per farmer.

On behalf of his co-farmers, Rasul Kablo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Minister Mohammad S. Yacob for extending free rice seeds and fertilizers to them as they need them most because they lack enough capital.

Hon. Mayor Datu Abubakar P. Paglas, who used to serve the farmers through the NIA for seven years, graced the activity. He said, people in the locality used to be just good in armed battle but now are devoted farmers after the installation of the irrigation system in their place.

The planting festival was also actively participated by Dr Ronjamin M. Maulana, MAFAR-Maguindanao Operations Officer, Abdulnasseef S. Ulong, BARMMIARC Center Manager, Joffel Pompong, Datu Paglas Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO), Yusop Manalindo, Buluan MAO, Jimson Lumapinit, Pagalungan MAO, and Agricultural Technologists Clinton Kasim and Norhata Macalintangui.