MAFAR-FAO Partnership Project
KORONADAL CITY | February 24, 2021
Project Inception Meeting and 1st Project Coordinating Committee (PCC) Meeting was conducted under the project “Support to Agriculture-based Livelihoods and Agribusiness Enterprise for Sustainable Peace and Development in Maguindanao and Cotabato (OSRO/PHI/802/NZE) at Conference Room, DA-RFO 12, Carpenter Hills, Koronadal City, Wednesday, February 24, 2021.
The project is funded by the government of New Zealand that aims to contribute to the development of agriculture and agribusiness in the provinces of Maguindanao and Cotabato in Mindanao. In addition, to reduce poverty that results in inclusive growth as well as sustaining peace and development in the region.
The activity was attended by Amb. Peter Kell, Embassy of New Zealand and FAO (virtual); Engr. Zamzamin Ampatuan, Usec. for Regulations and Infrastructure, DA, PCC Chairperson; Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, MAFAR-BARMM, PCC Co-Chairperson represented by Director for Agriculture Services Engr. Ismail Guiamel; Engr. Arlan Mangelen, and RED, RFO-12, PCC Co-Chairperson, Mr. Abdul Daya-an, Center Director, ATI RTC-12, PCC member.
Furthermore, the project will benefit the smallholder farmers, returned IDPs, decommissioned MILF combatants, and their households including Bangsamoro Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) in the target areas of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Rajah Buayan, South Upi, Barira, Buldon, Kabuntalan (Mother), North Kabuntalan and Matanog, Maguindanao and Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan and Pikit, North Cotabato.
Likewise, a resolution endorsing the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) presented by the FAO project team leader, Mr. Cesar Galvan that has been jointly reviewed and finally confirmed by the PCC Chairperson USec. Ampatuan.
Also, the project works closely with DA and MAFAR-BARMM, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Maguindanao and Cotabato, LGUs, and other pertinent government agencies.
Lastly, Dir. Ismail Guiamel representing the MAFAR Minister, Dr. Mohammad S. Yacob expressed his gratitude to FAO’s commitment and support in the project implementation.