MAFAR, MSSD inks MOA on the Provision of Agricultural Inputs for Bio-Intensive Gardening
COTABATO CITY – In a step towards combating hunger and achieving food security, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the Provision of Agricultural Inputs for Bio-Intensive Gardening (PAGIBIG) today, June 7 at MAFAR-BARMM Conference Room, BGC.
This collaborative effort addresses the pressing need for additional food sources, enhances nutrition, and promotes sustainable agriculture among the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.
In her opening remarks, MAFAR Chief of Staff Arphia T. Ebus, JD, highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership between MAFAR and MSSD to achieve a food-secure Bangsamoro.
“This remarkable collaboration will help uplift the lives of our Bangsamoro Farmers and 4P’s beneficiaries, said COS Ebus.
MAFAR and MSSD will work together to provide agricultural inputs to the targeted 4Ps beneficiaries, capacitate the 4Ps implementers and beneficiaries in acquiring knowledge and skills on bio-intensive and rural gardening, and assess the outcome of complementing services on the food security of 4P’s beneficiaries.
MSSD Deputy Minister Nur-Ainee Tan Lim points out the PAGIBIG program’s importance in eradicating hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The PAGIBIG aims to increase food security and improve nutrition among 4Ps households through immediate and appropriate services and interventions intended to provide additional food sources by ensuring its availability, adequacy accessibility, and affordability.
“Now is the time to strengthen more support to the vulnerable households and empower them to become self-sufficient in food production,” said Bangsamoro Director General Daud K. Lagasi, Ph.D.
The PAGIBIG will make a tangible difference in the lives of 4Ps beneficiaries, and it is a testament to both ministries’ dedication and collaborative efforts.