MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Local Government of Piagapo is on the move to enforce its intensified initiative for the advancement of its abaca industry.

Mayor Ali Sumandar shared that they have been closely collaborating with appropriate government agencies that could extend help to their municipality.

He attested to how they were indeed heard as they received various aid even during the existence of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

With the time now of the Bangsamoro government, the mayor further affirmed that they were obtaining additional aid to fulfill their desire for their abaca industry.

Accordingly, the latest undertaking they welcomed was from the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) in partnership with the Philippine Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA), which turned over P900,000 worth of abaca equipment through the Shared Service Facility (SSF) project. It includes a collapsible abaca dryer with storage room, two units of mobile abaca spindle stripping machines, and seven units of grass cutters with complete accessories.

"Dahil sa pag-iisip na ipalago at ienhance ang capabilities ng farmers, nakipagtulungan kami sa BARMM. Ang support nila sa amin ay continuous. Nagpapasalamat kami sa kanila," said Mayor Sumandar.

(Because of our thinking about developing and enhancing the capabilities of the farmers, we collaborated with the BARMM. Their support for us is continuous. We are thankful to them)

Moreover, as the local chief executive saw the croppings of their farmers being monopolized, he bared that he, himself, has also ventured into abaca farming to effectively stir his constituents to also do the same and not just focus on planting one crop.

The mayor further underscored that they strive for this industry, anticipating the promising opportunity awaiting them when they get a boost from it.

Vice Mayor Norombae Sumandar, on the other hand, detailed the endeavors of the Sangguniang Bayan to pour full support into the abaca industry in her town.

Recognizing that her place is suitable for abaca farming, she underlined that they are fostering their abaca farmers by registering them in apt line agencies and ministries, and acknowledging them as members of the federation of farmers’ cooperatives so that they would be institutionalized and any intervention intended for them would be easily led to them.

Vice Mayor Sumandar underscored as well that through accrediting them, they might be able to encourage their farmers to continue what they have started and even invite others to join them in their work.

"We are encouraging them to be active at maging pursigido pa lalo sila sa pag-engage in abaca farming kasi aside from other forms of farming, iinclude natin ang abaca kasi malaki ang potential niya for development, not only ang nakasanayan na corn at palay," she said.

(We are encouraging them to be active and more dedicated in engaging in abaca farming because, aside from other forms of farming, let us include abaca because this has a big potential for development, not only the usual corn and rice). (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)