COTABATO CITY (PIA) - The Bangsamoro Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) handed out P4.5 million worth of equipment for food and Halal product processing to six cooperatives in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, the Ministry announced on Tuesday.

According to MOST Minister Aida Silonga, this intervention aims to motivate the beneficiaries in producing and developing more products for the benefit of their organization.

“Providing them with processing equipment would create more batches of products per day,” Silonga said.

The official added that she hopes that products of each cooperative would reach grocery stores, pasalubong centers, and even malls.

Beneficiaries signed a memorandum of agreement with MOST to ensure maintenance and sustainability of the said equipment.

Cooperatives are engaged in processing of products such as  virgin coconut oil (VCO), native delicacies, and coffee, and halal organic feeds.

The identified cooperatives include Carmen Agricultural Resources and Development Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CARDMPC) and Carmen OFW Family Association (COFA). Barangay Macabiso Sultan Mastura Vegetable Cooperative (BMSMVC), Hadji Pards Muslim Delicacies, MSR Enterprise, and Brgy. Campo Bangsamoro Agriculture Cooperative.

Nasser Ali, CARDMPC general manager, explained that this project would speed up the production of their raw materials and develop more products.

“We are thankful to BARMM Government that our group here in Brgy. Nasapian, Carmen, North Cotabato had received processing equipment for VCO product making. We have been waiting for this machine,” Ali said.

MOST-BARMM continues its efforts to provide processing equipment for the cooperatives to support and upgrade their production lines, receive more profit in their business, and other assistance. (ACB/PIA Cotabato City with reports from MOST-BARMM)