The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform conducted the 9th Expanded Management Committee Meeting cum MMO Summit at Dusit Thani, Davao de Oro, from July 8-12, 2024.
The event, themed “Transformative Steps towards Economic Development in the Bangsamoro,” was spearheaded by Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., along with key personnel and stakeholders of MAFAR.
Bringing together at least 230 MAFAR employees, including those from the Regional and Provincial Offices, as well as the MAFAR Municipal Officers (MMO), the event aimed to foster collaboration, transparency, and efficiency within the ministry.
In his message, Minister Yacob highlighted the significance of leadership, especially for MMOs. He emphasized that the highest MAFAR official in the municipality is the MMO, similar to how a director function in the province or a minister in the region.
“I want to correct it now in the municipality. There must be governance with the leader and their staff. I want to see governance in the municipalities, similar to the governance in the province and the same governance in the region,” Minister Yacob said.
He also emphasized the importance of leadership by not being authoritarian. He stated that everyone has the authority to voice their opinions, make suggestions, and support government operations.
Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Director General for Fisheries, DG Pendatun Patarasa, MPA, in his closing remarks, noted that the ministry’s achievements are a testament to the commitment of every staff member to delivering genuine services to the Bangsamoro people, aiming to uplift their living conditions.
“We believe that all MMOs are truly performing their functions, as manifested in the achievements of this ministry. I would like to throw another challenge: please continue doing what you are doing because you contribute to the success of this government and help uplift the living conditions of the Bangsamoro people so that all our farmers, fisherfolk, and ARBs will be happier according to our good minister,” he added.
The event included detailed presentations on the Midyear Physical Accomplishments, the Status of Financial Utilization Rate for FY 2024 and the 2023 Extended Regular Programs and Projects, as well as the Issues and Concerns of the Regional and Provincial Offices.
During the MMO Summit, all the MAFAR services, operations, and other divisions also presented their accomplishments and strategies to enhance and strategize their initiatives for improving sustainability within the ministry.
The Ministry is committed to continuously improving its services and operations to better serve the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Additionally, the event was attended by the Bangsamoro Director General for Fisheries and Agrarian Reform, Regional and Provincial Directors, and Division Chiefs.
