Akmad A. Abdullah, Corn Program Focal Person at MAFAR, said the farm inputs were funded under the 2019 budget from the Department of Agriculture with the stewardship of Secretary Dr William D. Dar. He also informed the group of MAFAR’s priority programs called Basic Integration for Harmonized Intervention (BINHI), Integrated and Sustainable Development for Aquaculture/Capture (ISDA), and Land distribution and development for the Uplifment of Poor ARBs (LUPA) with the leadership of Minister Mohammad S. Yacob.

Meanwhile, Dr Ronjamin Maulana, MAFAR-Maguindanao Operations Chief, emphasized the manner of implementation of programs and projects under the BARMM that is bringing the government assistance and services closer to the communities. He also said that 90% of the Bangsamoro population is into farming that is why the farmers and fishers belong to the priority target beneficiaries of the BARMM government.

Based on the information from the MAFAR officials, the harvest from the OPV corn can still be used by the farmers as seeds for the next planting season. The ministry shall also be extending technical support to the farmer-recipients to ensure proper crop management and optimal production.

Dr Macmod Mamalangcap, MAFAR Coordinator for the 63 barangays of BARMM in North Cotabato, facilitated the request of the farmers for quality corn seeds from the ministry. “In unity among any group members like the farmers, comes the mercy of the Almighty God”, said Dr Mamalangcap in his closing remarks.

The distribution of corn seeds immediately followed after the field validation, in which it was known that the farmers’ areas were all prepared and ready for planting.

The success of the activity was ensured with the assistance of the Hon. Municipal Councilor Hussain Esmael, Hon. Barangay Chieftain Zafrullah S. Buday, Community Leader Mastura Enal, and Municipal Agricultural Officer Salilaguia P. Alang.