MNLF community gets agri-aqua livelihood aid

COTABATO CITY,, Philippines — A peace and development community (PDC) of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in this city has received assistance to boost its agri-aqua livelihood.

Barangay Diocolano Tamontaka V received a backhoe during a turnover ceremony attended by officials of the Japanese embassy, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), United Nations Development Program (UNDP)-Philippines, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Cotabato City government.

The UNDP procured the backhoe to help the PDC in the excavation of a fishpond to be surrounded by coconut and fruit trees, which is seen as a crucial component of the PDC’s agri-aqua livelihood venture.

JICA said the equipment would also be used to put up a poultry farm and build infrastructure facilities within the area.

“The provision of the backhoe will help them move a step closer toward realizing the envisioned agri-aqua livelihood venture in the community,” JICA said.

The PDC can also lease out the backhoe to provide additional income for a cooperative that leaders and members of Barangay Diocolano had earlier formed.

The UNDP collaborated with Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform-Maguindanao office for a capacity building training on poultry care and livelihood management in January and February.

Barangay Diocolano was a former major camp of the MNLF called Camp Saparudin, with many community members holding ranks in the organization.

Maj. Gen. Datun Diocolano, who served as chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Armed Forces, is now the barangay captain of Diocolano.