Cooperatives from Lanao del Sur and Marawi City received a total of P37.2-million worth of post-harvest facilities that were procured under the 2020 Special Development Fund of Member of Parliament Diamila Disimban-Ramos in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR-BARMM).
The pieces of equipment include movable mini rice mills with destoner and 13.5 KVA generator sets that will benefit the 31 qualified cooperatives.
“We have pursued this project because we believe that in the development of an area especially in a conflict-affected area, apart from infrastructure development, the livelihood of its people must also improve. And this has been approved because this concept is also included in the Bangsamoro Development Plan or BDP which will articulate the socio-economic development plan of BARMM in the year 2020-2022,” Ramos said.
“We have proposed to put a provision of post-harvest facilities in the Plan because apart from the fact that our region has vast arable land, it also aims to provide livelihood opportunities to our Bangsamoro farmers to advance a developing, stable and progressive community in the Bangsamoro region,” she added.
Ramos also expressed her fervent appreciation to President Rodrigo Duterte and to BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Alhadj Ebrahim for their untiring service to the Bangsamoro people by advancing the establishment of self-governance.
Actor and senatorial candidate Robin Padilla also graced the ceremony and personally congratulated Ramos and her office’s partner agencies for the success of the procurement of the mini rice mill sets.
“We have been comrades for a long time and now I am very happy because our aspirations and dreams for the Bangsamoro are gradually being fulfilled just like this program that will help the livelihood of our fellow farmers,” Padilla said.
Deputy Chief Minister Aleem Ali Solaiman said the program is proof that government funds are allocated to rightful projects and programs that will meet the needs of the Bangsamoro people.
Also in attendance in the momentous event are MP Abdullah “Bravo” Macapaar, MP Marjanie Mimbantas, CDA Asec. Pendatun Disimban, BARMM Regional Prosecutor Rohairah Lao, Abdul Malik Hidalgo, MAFAR SDS Focal Ghalia Darping and her inspection team, Representatives of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, MPW District Engr. Abolkhair Langilao, PD Atty. Khalid Ansano, and BTA Lanao del Sur Satellite Office representatives.