MARAWI CITY — Following the last leg of public consultation conducted here, stakeholders from different sectors in Lanao del Sur expressed their overwhelming support for the enactment of BTA Bill No. 39, a measure that seeks to establish the Bangsamoro Agriculture and Fisheries Training Institute (BAFTI) in the region.
Deputy Chief Minister for Lanao Ali Solaiman called the creation of BAFTI offices an “excellent legislation as it will uplift the lives and promote the welfare of the farmers and fisherfolk in the region.”
If passed into law, the bill will establish at least three training institutes for agriculture and fisheries in core areas of BARMM. These training institutes will provide short courses and trainings, as well as related marketing and enterprise, to the farmers and fisherfolk in the region.
Solaiman said the proposed measure is in line with the Bangsamoro Government’s policy to promote agriculture to alleviate poverty and food sufficiency in BARMM.
Numerous stakeholders, including representatives from the academe, agriculture and fisheries sectors, cooperatives, line agencies, and civil society organizations, gave their comments and recommendations on the proposed bill.
Wendel Lontua, a fisheries professor from Mindanao State University, said the university intends to assist and complement the proposed bill through research-based extension services.
MSU can give technical assistance, according to Lontua, and help in developing Information Communication Technology materials on fisheries and agriculture.
Meanwhile, several students suggested among others, the inclusion of scholarship grants in the bill for students who are taking an agriculture or fisheries degree.
Members of farmers and fisheries cooperatives also shared their input in improving the measure.
Under the proposed bill, BARMM’s Cooperative and Social Enterprise Authority will be BAFTI’s key partner in training development and need assessment of farmer and fisherfolk beneficiaries.
Recommendations on developing the aquaculture industry, including support for fish production and development, as well as promoting the existing local vegetable growers in the communities were among the concerns raised during the public consultation.
Presiding officer and Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform Vice-Chair Amroussi Macatanong assured the stakeholders that all their concerns will be properly noted and forwarded to the committee for consideration by the Parliament.
The first leg of public consultation was conducted in Zamboanga City for the stakeholders in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
BTA Bill No. 39 or the Bangsamoro Agriculture and Fisheries Training Institute Act, a priority legislation of the Government of the Day, is set to be enacted this year. (BTA/PIA Lanao del Sur)
