Poland explores agri investment opportunities in Bangsamoro

DAVAO City—poland is exploring investment opportunities in the Bangsamoro region’s agriculture sector, according to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (Mafar).

Jarosław Szczepankiewicz, charge d’ affaires at the Embassy of Poland, met with Mafar Minister Mohammad Yacob last May 19 to explore potential avenues for collaboration between the Polish government and Mafar.

The Polish delegation and Mafar representatives discussed a range of projects designed to uplift the lives of farmers, encompassing farming, processing, and logistical aspects, the Bangsamoro Information Office said.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the Embassy of Poland for visiting the BARMM region and for choosing us to be your potential partner in agricultural development,” Yacob said.

Othersinthemeetingweremiguel Santos, business development manager of Polish Investment and Trade Agency PFR Group, Bartek Wasiewski, head of Foreign Trade Office, Mariannie Lauban-baunto, regional director of the Department of Agrarian Reform-soccskargen, Mark Ryan Juanitas, chief operating officer of One Mark Engineering Technologies, Christopher Juanitas, project manager, and Ela Barba, management associate.

Meanwhile, the BARMM gave P84.24 million worth of agricultural and fishing machinery and equipment to the Special Geographic Area’s (SGA) Midsayap Clusters 1 and 2 in North Cotabato last month.

Thirteen villages in these clusters benefited from the government’s aid. The Midsayap Cluster-1 received equipment for the barangays of Central Labas, Kapinpilan, Malingao, Mudseng, Sambulawan, Tugal, and Tumbras, while Cluster 2 received equipment for Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kudarangan, Nabawalag, and Olandang.

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) distributed P45.84 million worth of agricultural equipment, including 5 tractors with implements for rice production, 5 mechanical rice transplanters, 5 rice harvesters, 5 tractors with implements for corn production, 5 corn harvesters with corn kit, and 8 trailers for combine harvesters.

The MILG also distributed 300 motorized fishing boats with nets worth P38.4 million. These boats will help boost the livelihoods of local fishermen and support their communities.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said the turnover ceremony marked the successful completion of the Bangsamoro Integrated Rehabilitation and Development (BIRD) program, which is a special project of the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MOLG) funded under the Special Development Fund (SDF).

“The Government of the Day acknowledges the need to develop, support and innovate our agricultural sector. That is why we reiterate its call towards developing agriculture, fisheries’ productivity and food security in the region as stipulated in the 12-point priority agenda,” Ebrahim said.

“The Bangsamoro Government ensures that all Bangsamoro farmers are well-supported in all parts of the homeland.”