COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) successfully facilitated Friday, December 4, 2020, the Bangsamoro Food Sufficiency Task Force’s (BFSTF) second regular meeting held at MAFAR Conference Hall, Bangsamoro Government Center, this city.
Bangsamoro Director General Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali said the activity is crucial to address the food security of the BARMM.
“The World Food Programme (WFP) will sponsor a workshop to help support the concerns regarding the food security. Hopefully by next year, there will be a full and effective implementation of programs of the various ministries considering that there are allotted funds for it such as the contingency fund. The pandemic had caused drastic effect in the implementation of the programs and so the Bangsamoro Response and Recovery Plan has been formulated,” Ali stressed.
The meeting outlined the presentation and approval of the guidelines and criteria for the implementation of food security convergence programs and projects in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, in which the members of the BFSTF have provided inputs, comments, and recommendations for its enhancement.
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) Director Guaimal moved to adopt the guidelines and criteria which are subject for the integration of additional comments. It was seconded by Mr. Marlo Maata from the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM).
Mohammad Yacob, Chair of the BFSTF, explained the significance of creating the task force.
“It is for the betterment of the Bangsamoro who are experiencing poverty and hopes for a peaceful and decent life with sufficient food to feed their families and free from worries of the high cost of hospitalization,” Yacob said.
Furthermore, Yacob commended the presence and active participation of the ministries and offices as a manifestation of their commitment in changing the lives of the Bangsamoro.
“The task force will guarantee that the Bangsamoro will feel the help of the government with high impact projects and shall respond to the food security concern of the region,” he added. In attendance during Friday’s meeting were authorized representatives of the Task Force members composed of the OCM, Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE), Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MFBM), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), MAFAR, and BPDA. The National Nutrition Council (NNC-BARMM) and World Food Programme (WFP) were also invited to observe during the meeting. (Lovella Lao-Lastimosa, IKMD, BPDA-BARMM)