Manila: Over 67,000 farmers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are set to benefit from a significant land distribution initiative. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) is preparing to distribute 113,917.89 hectares of agricultural land to 67,777 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, MAFAR-BARMM Minister Mohammad Yacob highlighted in a recent press release that the implementation of agrarian reform laws is key to fostering inclusive growth and social transformation within BARMM. This land distribution is part of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers in the area.

The land allocation is extensive, covering various regions within BARMM: 53,364.75 hectares in Maguindanao, 32,251.10 hectares in Lanao del Sur, 11,475.55 hectares in Basilan, 9,020.87 hectares in Sulu, 7,060.65 hectares in Tawi-Tawi, 1,127.81 hectares in the Special Geographic Areas, and 760.52 hectares in Cotabato City.

This initiative follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in November 2023 by Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim. The recent Joint DAR-MAFAR Coordinating Committee Meeting emphasized the importance of aligning efforts to enhance the farming sector in the region.

In addition to land distribution, both MAFAR and DAR have committed to supporting the agricultural sector in BARMM with various programs and services designed to boost productivity and ensure long-term sustainability.