Maguindanao school gets farm equipment from DAF-ARMM

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=11&rid=798054
• Friday, August 28, 2015

(PNA), CTB/NYP/EOF

RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao, Aug 28 (PNA) -- Public school students are expected to become agriculture-productive citizens with the turn-over Thursday of one unit hand tractor from Department of Agricultlure and Fisher in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Beneficiary of the agricultural assistance was Sapakan National High School (SNHS) in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.

SNHS Principal Elma Maliga said the farm equipment will boost the partnership of DAF, local government unit and the Army's 40th Infantry Battalion.

"The equipment can be used by pupils under the Technical Skills and Development Authority agricultural courses which is part of the K to 12 program for high school students," Maliga said.

Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan lauded the agricultural assistance extended by DAF-ARMM Regional Secretary Atty. Makmod D. Mending, Jr to his constituents.

He said the agricultural aid will boost the town's agri-fishery development and improve the agricultural skills of students. "These are tools for food sufficiency program of the regional and national government," Ampatuan said.

Teh farm equipment was sourced out from 2013 High Value Commercial Development Program Funds.

HVCDP Regional Program Coordinator Hadja Jalika Mangcop also approved the request of Mayor Ampatuan for the establishment of "Bagsakan" Trading Center with complete facilities in Sapakan to help farmers market their produce.

Present during the turn over ceremonies were Maguindanao OIC-Provincial Agricultural Officer Daud Lagasi, "Gulayan sa Paaralan" Focal Person Albaya Sagad, Association of Barangay Chairmen President Datu Yacob Ampatuan, Lt. Col. Joel Mamon, 40th IB battalion commander, Municipal Agricultural Officer Mohidin Paidumama, Local Cooperative President Larry K. Dindo, school teachers and students.

The tractor with other equipment attached to it costs Php250,000.00.

The DA-ARMM intervention was one of the incentives extended by DAF-ARMM to agencies and local government units which showed best performance in "Gulayan sa Paaralan" program implementation HVCDP of DAF-ARMM.