THOUSANDS OF MANGO SEEDLINGS DISTRIBUTED TO GROWERS IN KABUNTALAN
The MAFAR, through the High Value Crops Development Program, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Local Government Unit, conducted the Mass Distribution of Mango Seedlings to the farmer-beneficiaries in Kabuntalan, Maguindanao on June 3, 2020.
Almost 3000 mango seedlings were delivered and received by the farmers in the targeted barangays of the said municipality.
These barangays were Upper Taviran, Pagalungan, Liong and Matilak. Thirty farmers from each barangay received 25 seedlings GOOD FOR A HECTARE production area.
The activity was part of the Livelihood Improvement for the Transformation of Underserved Population (LIFT UP), jointly implemented by the MAFAR, ATI-RTC 12, and JICA.
Representing Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Assistant to the Minister for Operations Engr. Ismail A. Guiamel encouraged the recipients to value and establish the project wisely. He said it is an opportunity and a blessing for the farmers and after a year if the seedlings are planted and managed well, their place will become “Mango Town”. He then extended his happiness for the farmers for showing their interest to become project partners.
Meanwhile, JICA representative Mary Bernadette Suarez expressed her great appreciation to the farmers for acknowledging the project. She advised them to plant the seedlings and sustain them systematically.
Hon. Vice Mayor Datu Rahaf D. Diocolano expressed his happiness to the officials for bringing the project to their place.
On the other hand, Consultant for Agriculture Concerns Dr. Jalika D. Mangacop and HVCDP Focal Person Ramil Timpolok shared significant tips on the Proper Management technology in mango production.
Aside from the seedlings, the MAFAR team also distributed assorted vegetable seeds to the farmers of Kabuntalan as start up planting materials for backyard gardening, one way of promoting the campaign of the national and regional government on food sufficiency.