MAFAR, JICA train farmers to manage calamansi production in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY- 20 farmer leaders from Maguindanao received training from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

On May 16-20, a five-day training of trainers of Livelihood Improvement for the Transformation of Underserved Population (LIFT UP) was for the barangays from Malangit, Kabuling, and Kayupo of Pandag Municipality and Kamasi, Poblacion Ampatuan and Matagabong from Ampatuan Municipality for calamansi production and processing at Em Manor Convention Hall.

The purpose of the follow-up activities is to support successful past recipients of LIFT UP, particularly the value-adding of marketing activities. Give them capacity in knowledge and technology and strategy on how to increase their productivity and maximize their farmland.

Engr. Ismail A. Guiamel, Director II for Agriculture Services, through his message, lauded and paid tribute and recognition to the endless toils of the participants and reminded them that they should not be ashamed that they are farmers because this work is clean and dignified.

“The whole country’s food depends on you; without you, we will not have anything to eat,” he added.

Provincial Director Ronjamin Maulana, in his message of support, said that the government is focused and committed to bringing itself to the people, particularly the Bangsamoro community where Maguindanao has always supported all MAFAR activities.

The lectures consist of Introduction to calamansi production and processing, introduction to Irrigated and Rainfed Rice, Morphology and Life Cycle of Rice, which was presented by Al-Basser Anayatin, MAFAR Technical Staff and Baharen A. Piang, Agricultural Center Chief I, BARMMIARC. There was also a hands-on workshop to gauge the knowhow of the participants.

The training was supervised by Senior Agriculturist Seeham Safar-Pangol, JICA Field Coirdinator Alyasa Oranggaga and other staff.