To empower farmers’ cooperatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the agriculture ministry has granted 23 cooperatives a PHP100,000 loan each to fund income-generating activities.

Minister Mohammad Yacob of BARMM-Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) said the financial package is part of the ministry’s Loan for Enhancement for Necessary Development Strategy (MAFAR-LENDS) Program.

“As part of our mandate to support farmers and fisherfolk in achieving their goals and improving their livelihoods, we are proud to serve as a key instrument in helping to enhance your quality of life,” Yacob said in a statement Thursday.

He said the cash loan distributed Wednesday intends to provide and sustain the economic growth and development of every farmer, fisherfolk, and agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) in the region.

Muslimin Salih, chairman of the Magungaya Sa Langgapanan Farmer Fisherfolk Cooperative, lauded the BARMM government for supporting the region’s food producers to ensure the sustainability of food supplies. (PNA)