Implemented in support to agricultural production and environmental management and preservation, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Community Empowerment through Food Sufficiency and Environmental Management (CEFSEM) program, in partnership with the United Nations-World Food Programme (UN-WFP) marks another significant activity in its pilot project site in Maguindanao. The clearing and de-silting of waterways was conducted the whole of 2^nd week of November 2013.

About 45,000 square meter of waterways in two (2) barangays of Sultan Mastura municipality namely Brgy. Tambo and Brgy. Tapayan were completely cleared and de-silted under the Food-for-Work activity of the project.

Participated by 168 household representatives including women, the said activity is expected to contribute in drying the frequently flooded farm areas in the said barangay supporting the agricultural production in the community. Through this activity, the waterways which actually a body of water is expected to provide additional sources for fishing. The fish catching of some children from the river is evident that the activity helps indeed.

“Nakakapanghuli na po kami, ang mga bata ng isda mula sa ilog. Dati po kasi ay puno iyan ng putik at damo. Nakakatulong na rin po sya sa amin”, said Mr. Adan Phari, Community Leader in Brgy. Tapayan. (We can now catch fish from the river, before it was muddy and filled with grasses. It is helping us, said one child in the community).

From being stagnant for a long time, the cleared waterways now become useful for the community. Some are already planning to put in fish pens/cages and grow fish like tilapia for their livelihood. It also helps in providing clean and healthy surroundings in the community. The activity is also expected to contribute in the flood control mechanisms in the said barangays. The municipality of Sultan Mastura is among the flood prone areas in Maguindanao reached by overflow of water during rainy seasons.

“Actually, this is what we want for the people to realize, that through our project, we can develop into them sense of responsibility- that being responsible for others, for your community brings help not only in your family but the whole community”, explained by Amirudin Gani, Program Coordinator of the CEFSEM project.

The participants of this Food-for-Work activity shall be receiving a sack of rice for every 400 square meters that they have cleared or de-silted. Overall, 112 sacks of rice will be distributed to them scheduled this month of November 2013.

Household representatives working together during the de-silting activity

Household representatives working together during the de-silting activity

This photo taken during the monitoring of the CEFSEM Program Team shows comparison in the barangay before and after the clearing activity.

Household representatives working together during the de-silting activity