On April 9, 2025, a significant step towards peace and development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was taken with the inauguration of the Darapanan Farmers’ Training Center in Barangay Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. Czech Ambassador to the Philippines, H. E. Karel Hejč, led the ceremony, formally handing over the training center, including various facilities and equipment, to the Camp Darapanan Farmers’ Association (CDFA) and the Darapanan United MaguIranon Farmers’ Association. This event was a collaborative effort, involving the Ambassador’s delegation, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) led by Chairperson Guiamel M. Alim, and numerous other key stakeholders.
During the turnover, Ambassador Hejč expressed his excitement, highlighting the project’s positive community impact and emphasizing that even limited funding can achieve significant results when strategically allocated. He specifically thanked MAFAR-Maguindanao for their substantial contributions, including a tractor and seedlings, which significantly enhanced the project’s effectiveness. The Ambassador underscored the importance of sustainability in project selection and commended the successful management of the project by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS). He noted the project’s goals of improving farming practices, fostering economic growth, and supporting former combatants in their transition to successful farming careers, expressing strong confidence in its future benefits for the community.
The Darapanan Farmers’ Training Center is the initiative of the “From Arms to Farms: Extending the LIFE of MILF Former Combatants in the BARMM” project, funded by the Czech Embassy’s Small Scale Project Program. Established in 2023 on a one-hectare demonstration farm in Sitio Arsad, Barangay Darapanan, Maguindanao del Sur. The center is the product of a partnership between CBCS, the University of the Philippines Mindanao Foundation, Inc. (UPMFI), and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This initiative, based on the “Extending the Livelihood Improvement through Facilitated Extension (LIFE) Model,” successfully integrates livelihood development with peacebuilding efforts. The center is now managed by the local farmers in collaboration with CBCS.
The center is equipped with modern facilities and tools designed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. These include a sound system and projector for training, a solar dryer for post-harvest preservation, a water pump system, a vegetable and fruit tree nursery, a vermicomposting bed, two hand tractors, a forage shredder, and an array of essential farm tools. A significant contribution was the farm tractor provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM), through the Office of the Member of Parliament, Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie, funded by her Transitional Development Fund (TDF).
The success of the Darapanan Farmers’ Training Center hinges not only on the provision of resources but also on a shared vision of community empowerment. Guiamel Alim, Chairperson of CBCS, powerfully articulated this vision, emphasizing the project’s far-reaching impact: “It takes the whole community to raise the community.” His words underscore the crucial role of collective effort and inclusivity in achieving sustainable development. This approach ensures that the training center’s benefits reach beyond the immediate participants, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the entire community.
This community-centric vision is further reinforced by the commitment of Provincial Director Ronjamin Maulana, Ph.D., of MAFAR-Maguindanao. His pledge of 200 boxes of hybrid corn seeds and his support for organic farming practices demonstrate a concrete commitment to empowering local farmers with the resources and knowledge they need to thrive. Dr. Maulana’s assurance of ongoing support from MAFAR-Maguindanao solidifies the long-term sustainability of the project and underscores the government’s dedication to collaborating with local communities for agricultural advancement.
The acceptance speeches highlighted the importance of the project. Mr. Abobakar Samo, Secretary of the CDFA, emphasized the vital role of partnerships in sustaining livelihoods and the significance of organized farmer groups in accessing government services. He stressed the necessity of equipping farmers with advanced techniques to tackle climate change challenges and encouraged the sharing of this knowledge with neighboring municipalities.
Mr. Asraf Abdullah, President of the CDFA, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Czech Embassy and CBCS, stating, “The provision of a training center, post-harvest facilities, and farm tools is a testament to the sincerity of the Czech Republic and CBCS in uplifting the lives of the Bangsamoro. It deserves our deepest appreciation. It is now our responsibility to care for these resources and ensure they fulfill their purpose.”
The project was formalized on March 11, 2024, with a contract signed by CBCS, Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie (MSSD-BARMM) and Mr. Dalibor Micka (Czech Embassy) mark a significant milestone for the Czech Embassy’s engagement in the BARMM. The success of this initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of numerous stakeholders, including the MILF-BIAF’s Inner Guard Base Command (IGBC), local security forces, Cotabato State University interns, and the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Darapanan. Their collective efforts ensure the long-term success of the project and its positive impact on the region.
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