Basilan’s Livelihood and Food Security Program Draws Over 200 Local Farmers
ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/15 October)—Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman announced that over 200 local farmers have enrolled in the province’s Magtanah or Magtanim Para May Hanapbuhay program, which seeks to revitalize agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods by tackling productivity and market challenges.
“Ang ‘Magtanah’ ay hindi lang para may maitanim ang ating mga magsasaka, kundi para masiguro rin na may hanapbuhay sila at may sapat na pagkain ang bawat pamilya sa Basilan (The Magtanah program ensures our farmers can plant, earn a livelihood, and provide enough food for every family in Basilan),” Hataman said on Tuesday, October 14. He added that the initiative aligns with the province’s commitment to leave no one behind, particularly rural communities.
Farmers who registered during the program’s launch on October 13 are currently undergoing validation. Hataman noted that despite Basilan’s agricultural potential, the province still imports food from Zamboanga City due to challenges such as lack of capital and market access.
To address these issues, the Magtanah program includes direct support for cash crop farming and an “Enterprise Development” initiative where the provincial government will buy farmers’ produce to stabilize prices and prevent oversupply. Additionally, cold storage facilities will be established next year to preserve excess harvests and help farmers secure fair prices.
Short-term measures include technical assistance, coordination with local agriculture offices, and the use of provincial tractors for land preparation. High-yield vegetable, fruit, and root crop seedlings will also be distributed.
All purchased produce will support the province’s food distribution and feeding programs in public schools, rural health units, and emergency centers. (Frencie L. Carreon/MindaNews)
