January 23, 2025 – Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), under the leadership of Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., has taken a significant step towards transforming the livestock industry in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). On January 23, 2025, the Ministry officially signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for the BARMM Cattle Agribusiness Value Chain Development Project at Bajau Hall, Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC).
This transformative initiative, in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and South East Asian Agri-Tech Livestock Services (SEAALS) Agri-Food Co., Inc., aims to strengthen the cattle value chain, create economic opportunities, and promote sustainable livestock production across the region.
The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation marks a unified commitment among government agencies, private sector partners, and development organizations to innovate and expand BARMM’s agricultural and livestock industries. By addressing key challenges in the cattle agribusiness sector, the project seeks to enhance productivity, improve market access, and position BARMM as a competitive player in the national and international cattle industry.
Minister Yacob emphasized the project’s potential in boosting food security and fostering economic development in the region.
“This partnership is a testament to our collective dedication to transforming the agricultural sector in BARMM. By strengthening our cattle agribusiness value chain, we are not only empowering our farmers but also contributing to the sustainable development of our communities,” he stated.
He further highlighted BARMM’s potential to become a leading producer of halal products, noting, “We can establish processing facilities for milk production, enabling BARMM to support other regions with high-quality halal products.”
SEAALS Chief Executive Officer Leahey Bradley James expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This is a very important step for us at SEAALS. This is what we have been working to implement in the Philippines, and now we have the right path to start.”
With the active participation of SEAALS Agri-Food Co., Inc. and MinDA, the project ensures the effective integration of public and private resources to maximize its impact. The partnership aligns with BARMM’s broader vision of utilizing its agricultural potential as a catalyst for economic growth and regional self-sufficiency.
The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Director General for Agriculture Services Engr. Ismail A. Guiamel, Director II for Research Development and Extension Services Tong Abas, and other MAFAR staff. Their presence underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in ensuring the project’s success.
Ahead of the ceremony, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Office of Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, signifying the Chief Minister’s strong support for initiatives aimed at uplifting BARMM’s agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of farming communities.
As the BARMM Cattle Agribusiness Value Chain Development Project moves forward, stakeholders remain optimistic about its long-term benefits. By addressing the region’s food demands and improving farmer livelihoods, the initiative is poised to support the sustainable growth of BARMM’s cattle industry.
This project underscores the crucial role of partnerships in achieving inclusive development, showcasing BARMM’s commitment to fostering a resilient and innovative agricultural sector that benefits local communities and the broader economy.