
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Mafar-Barmm) has distributed three solar-powered ice block makers to fisherfolk cooperatives in coastal communities in Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.
Each machine, worth P5 million, was awarded to fisherfolk from Poblacion 1 in Parang and Upper Taviran in Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte, as well as Banago in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur. These communities rely heavily on fishing and fish vending.
The ice block makers were officially turned over last week by Pendatun Patarasa, Mafar’s director general for fishery services.
Patarasa said each unit can produce 45 ice blocks daily.
“This facility is a cornerstone of our efforts to uplift the fisheries sector and empower our fisherfolk across the Bangsamoro region,” Patarasa said in a statement.
“Readily available, sustainably produced ice is vital for preserving the quality of marine and aquaculture products and reducing postharvest losses,” he added.
He said that the solar-powered machines offer an energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution to improve coastal communities’ resilience.
Bobby Panangulon, chairperson of the Upper Taviran MK Cooperative, expressed gratitude to Mafar-Barmm for the support given them.
“We are truly grateful our cooperative was chosen. Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), thank you very much, especially to MAFAR for the unwavering support," Panangulon said.
Patarasa said similar equipment will be distributed to fisherfolk in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi later this year. (SunStar Zamboanga)