Maguindanao del Norte Launches‘ Sagip Apektadong Magsasaka Project’ to Support Farmers Affected by El Niño
COTABATO CITY (June 4, 2024) – The provincial government of Maguindanao del Norte has launched the “Gob SAM Project” (Sagip Apektadong Magsasaka) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), providing farmers affected by the recent El Niño phenomenon with rice and other essential supplies.
Each of the 500 farmers from the municipalities of Upi, Talitay, Northern Kabuntalan, Mother Kabuntalan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Sultan Kudarat, and Datu Blah Sinsuat received sacks of rice weighing 25 kilos during the distribution on May 28-31. In addition to rice, each sack contained packs of instant noodles, canned goods, mongo beans, and cooking oil.
The Gob SAM Project underscores Governor Macacua’s commitment to continually support peasant farmers and fisherfolk for their sustenance and self-maintenance.
This initiative was in response to the ‘State of Calamity’ declared in Maguindanao del Norte last month, prompting intervention by provincial authorities to mitigate El Niño’s impact on farming communities.
Under the leadership of Provincial Director Ronjamin Maulana and Assistant Provincial Director for Maguindanao del Norte Nur-Amin Caludtiag, the execution of the program was facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR-Maguindanao). The actual distribution of aid relied on an extensive assessment conducted by field workers to determine the extent of crop damage.
The MAFAR Municipal Office, Local Government Units (LGUs), and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMO) collaborated to identify the beneficiaries. The Office of the Provincial Governor, LGUs, and MAFAR Municipal Office personnel supervised the implementation of this assistance program. (Sahara A. Saban, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
