BARMM Agriculture Ministry Boosts Aquaculture with Feed Distribution in Maguindanao
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Mafar-BARMM) has taken a significant step to support local fisherfolk by distributing essential aquaculture inputs. On Monday, February 23, 2026, the ministry provided 150 sacks of tilapia and catfish feeds to small-scale fishpond operators in the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.
Targeted Assistance for Enhanced Fish Production
The distribution event, facilitated by the Maguindanao Provincial Office of Mafar, was held at the BARMM Government Center in Cotabato City. According to Ronjamin Maulana, the Mafar Maguindanao provincial director, the recipients were 126 small-scale fishpond operators who had previously received fingerlings from the agency. This feed assistance is strategically designed to help these operators increase their fish production, building on earlier support to create a more sustainable aquaculture ecosystem.
Maulana emphasized that the intervention aligns with Mafar's core mandate to support farmers, fisherfolk, and agrarian reform beneficiaries across the region. "These beneficiaries are the ones who received fingerlings before, and to support them, we will provide them with feeds to increase their production," he stated on Tuesday, February 24. He further noted that fisherfolk who have benefited from previous Mafar interventions have demonstrated higher productivity compared to those without such assistance, underscoring the program's effectiveness.
Expanding Support Through Comprehensive Programs
In addition to the feed distribution, Mafar-Maguindanao is actively expanding its support through other initiatives. Chief Aquaculturist Norhata Dumasil revealed that the ministry is targeting 592 fisherfolk to receive fishing nets as part of its ongoing assistance program. This multi-faceted approach aims to address various needs within the aquaculture sector, from initial stocking with fingerlings to ongoing feed supply and fishing equipment.
Dumasil joined Maulana in personally distributing the tilapia and catfish feeds to the identified recipients, ensuring that the assistance reached those most in need. The collaboration between provincial directors and technical experts highlights Mafar's commitment to hands-on support for local communities.
Impact on Local Economy and Food Security
The distribution of fish feeds is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the local economy and food security in Maguindanao. By boosting fish production among small-scale operators, the initiative can:
- Increase household incomes for fisherfolk families
- Enhance the availability of affordable protein sources in local markets
- Strengthen the resilience of aquaculture against economic challenges
- Promote sustainable fishing practices through structured support
This effort reflects BARMM's broader strategy to empower agricultural and fisheries sectors, driving regional development through targeted interventions. As Mafar continues to roll out similar programs, the long-term goal is to foster self-sufficiency and growth in Mindanao's aquaculture industry, benefiting both producers and consumers alike.
