The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC at USM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the organization and operationalization of the Bangsamoro Agri-Fishery Research, Development, and Extension Network (BAFRDEN) with different agri-fishery agencies in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) last August 16 in Davao City.
Together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform- BARMM (MAFAR-BARMM), State Colleges and Universities (SUCs), and partner agencies in the Bangsamoro Region, the MOU aims to establish a network that institutionalizes strong linkage for research, development, and extension activities; and to have an inter-agency coordination and collaboration undertaking and addressing the needs of the farming and fishing communities in BARMM.
“Agriculture, fisheries, and agrarian reform hold a pivotal role in the prosperity of our region. They are not just sectors of our economy, they are pillars of our society. In this context, the significance of research cannot be overstated. Research in this domain is not merely an academic pursuit, it is the beacon of progress and hope,” MAFAR-BARMM Minister Mohammad Swaib Yacob said.
DA-PCC at USM Center Director Benjamin John C. Basilio also expressed his gratitude and his commitment to sharing the available resources and technologies of PCC and to providing available mechanisms in the promotion of carabao-related services in the Bangsamoro Region. I
n addition, DA-PCC at USM Research Coordinator Rheo Ryan P. Balbuena attended the MOU signing and stated that the partnership will cover the collaborative undertakings such as the exchange of results of the research, development, and extension projects of the member institutions of the network.
“Since DA-PCC at USM is now part of the BAFRDEN, this engagement will open avenues of opportunity for the agency to commit and help our Bangsamoro farmers through the Carabao Development Program (CDP) and livestock research,” Balbuena said.
