The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) currently has 14 enterprise development subprojects with a total worth of P32.2 million being implemented under the Investments for Rural Enterprises, and Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity or I-REAP component of the Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).These subprojects are distributed mainly in two provinces in the region, Maguindanao and Tawi-Tawi. 

The Province of Maguindanao is currently implementing nine (9) “Goat Multiplication, Fattening and Marketing” enterprise development subprojects worth P2.23 million each or a combined cost of P20.04 million.

Goat is one of the priority commodities identified in Maguindanao and with these interventions from DA-PRDP, the Province’s population of meat-type goats for chevon production through crossbreeding and fattening can be increased. Its target market will be the organized chevon consumers and farmers who are interested in goat raising and fattening, including meat vendors in the nearby towns and cities, and other institutions who engage in goat dispersal.

Recipient municipalities for this enterprise subproject are the Municipalities of Gen. S. K. Pendatun, Ampatuan, Guindulungan, Datu Paglas, Buluan, Sultan Sa Barongis, Rajah Buayan, and Mangudadatu.

Among these nine (9) subprojects, five (5) have already started implementation and these are under the Maslabeng Group of Farmers Marketing Cooperative with 9.22% progress; Kalian Bangsamoro Womens Agri Marketing Cooperative with 48.90% progress; Badak Multi-Purpose Cooperative with 48.68% progress;  Lumpingan Agri-Preneur Marketing Cooperative with 49.90% progress; and Mawalao MNLF Multi-Purpose Cooperative, with 21.26% progress.

Meanwhile, the remaining four (4) subprojects are still under business plan preparation and these are under the Midpulo Unified Agriculture Cooperative; Kauran Christian Upland Farmers Agricultural Cooperative; Macasampen Goldland Farmers Marketing Cooperative; and Datu Paglas Integrated Agriculture and Livelihood Multi-Purpose Cooperative

The goal of the “Goat Multiplication, Fattening and Marketing” subproject is to provide additional income to beneficiaries and improve their standard of living by producing a quality supply of live goats, increasing farmers’ income, generating employment and job opportunities in the entire operation, and increasing the number of cooperative members.

Meanwhile, the Province of Tawi-tawi, which is composed of island municipalities, is implementing five (5) “Seaweeds Production and Marketing Enterprise” subprojects worth a total of P12.15 million.

These are implemented in the five municipalities of Panglima Sugala with one (1) subproject worth P2.17 million (without PG equity); Sibuto with one (1)subproject worth P1.92 million; South Ubian with one (1) subproject worth P2.54 million; Sitangkai with one (1) subproject worth P2.95 million, and Tandubas with one (1) subproject worth P2.55 million.

The lead proponent groups are Balimbing Seaweeds Farmer’s and Fisher Folks;  Tawi-Tawi Movement for Peace and Unity Service Cooperative; Tong Tampakan Fisherfolks Marketing Cooperative; Inah Tawi-Tawi Farmers Association, Inc.; and. Kasambuhan Ma Kauman Tapian Sokah respectively.

While all of these farmer associations are already engaged in seaweeds farming, the lack of seaweed seedlings as well as farming materials and capital to support production have been a recurring problem to all of them.

Through DA-PRDP’s “Seaweeds Production and Marketing Enterprise” subprojects, farmers in the province can now improve and expand their existing seaweed farms and increase seaweed production raising their income and status of life.

DA-PRDP’s support for these enterprise subprojects are in line with the National Government’s thrust for rural industrialization and development consistent with providing  better livelihood opportunities and increased incomes for sustenance fisherfolk and coastal residents in the Region. (Joy Montecalvo, PSO Min)