COTABATO CITY — The Philippine Marines and local government units in Maguindanao del Norte are working together to improve the agricultural productivity of Iranun communities struggling to bounce back from the effects of armed conflict.
Brig. Gen. Eric A. Macaambac, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, said Sunday that among the benefactors of their “pro-poor initiative” are the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato and the non-government Soccsksargen Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium, both active supporters of the Mindanao peace process.
Mr. Macaambac said essential interventions needed by farmers in five Iranun towns boost production and opportunities for extra income through viable alternative farming ventures were discussed in a forum organized last week.
The project involves the mayors of Maguindanao del Norte’s predominantly Iranun towns of Parang, Barira, Buldon, Matanog, and Sultan Mastura, where there are hundreds of farmers who are members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim also supports the initiative.
“This is in support of the community-empowerment goals of the peace efforts of the national government and the MILF,” said Mr. Macaambac. — John Felix M. Unson
