KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 19 October) – Maguindanao del Sur is focusing on developing an integrated farming system, with Wagyu beef production as its flagship program. Former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol disclosed this initiative after meeting with Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang of Datu Anggal Midtimbang town, where pilot areas for sorghum and soybean production will be established to support the province’s Wagyu cattle program. According to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (MAFF), Wagyu, meaning Japanese beef, is a unique breed known for its exceptional tenderness and sweet aroma, “wagyuko.” Piñol stated that Midtimbang sought his assistance in crafting an agricultural program to transform Maguindanao del Sur from a conflict zone into a food production hub. The proposed blueprint includes corn farming, free-range chicken, and goat production, alongside Wagyu halal beef and halal chevon as key projects. Piñol highlighted the Philippines’ 2024 beef imports of 204 million metric tons, valued at P60 billion, and emphasized the need to boost local cattle production amid rising global beef prices and peso devaluation. Maguindanao del Sur’s fertile lands are ideal for corn, sorghum, and soybean cultivation, which can fuel cattle and goat industries. Midtimbang, who visited a Wagyu farm in Polomolok, South Cotabato, aims to improve the province’s economy and livelihoods. Secretary Carlito Galvez of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Unity, and Reconciliation has endorsed the integrated farming system, proposing to include areas under MILF and MNLF influence, aiming to transform former conflict zones into food production areas. Galvez emphasized that peace begins with families having access to regular meals. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
