RANAW-Peace and dev’t within reach for farmers in Lanao Norte thru BDA-CDCAAM project
Despite the recent situation in this province is the hope that peace and development is within reach.
One hundred twenty five farmers in Matungao, Lanao del Norte marched with pride and hope as they completed various trainings on livelihood on fishery, agriculture and livestock through the Community Development in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (CDCAAM) project implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This was during the joint culmination ceremony on May 24, 2016 at Azis Training Center located in the said town.
In the activity, project stakeholders looked back on the implementation activities and accomplishments. The ceremony also gave recognition to everyone who played vital role in the success of the project.
A prayer was led by Camalodin Bacar.
Hon. Aisha M. Azis, Matungao Mayor warmly welcomed participants, visitors and the guests through a short message.
Engr. Alinader Sarangani, BDA regional coordinator for CDCAA project presented the overview and the accomplishments of the project under extension phase.
Selected beneficiaries gave their testimony and insight on the project implementation.
Farmers received certificate of completion while plaque of appreciation were given to the partners who played a vital roles in developing the CAAM as a whole.
Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan, BDA Chairman thanked the JICA for their support and technical guidance towards the project completion.
Inspirational messages were conveyed by JICA representative, Yukituchi Matchumuto of ICNet, project service provider, BDA-Ranaw Regional Manager Halil Amerol, and Dr. Liza Ebunea of Matungao Municipal Agricultural Office.
Dr. Javer Azis, municipal vice mayor closed the program by thanking the participants and donors who devoted their times in making this project successful.
Completing its extension phase, the CD-CAAM project provided technical assistance to local farmers which allowed them to maximize the resources in their communities towards better income for their families.
The project taught the beneficiaries of organic farming through numerous trainings on vegetable farming, fish pond management, livestock, among others.
Matungao together with Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao were the pilot sites until the extension phase which included Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi province.
In Lanao del Norte, particularly Butig municipality is where government forces are currently conducting military operations against Maute group that resulted to evacuation of hundred of families in the said town.
Naima P. Habib Balindong (BDA CommGroup-Ranaw Region)