COTABATO CITY – The spirit of Ramadhan shines brighter in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., together with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and switching of lights to mark the official opening of the MAFARamadhan Trade Fair Plus 2025 on March 01, 2025, at the Bangsamoro Government Center.
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This event, organized by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of MAFAR in partnership with the European Union-funded Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Program (EU-BAEP) CRESCENT, serves as a month-long celebration in observance of Ramadhan 2025.
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The MAFARamadhan Trade Fair Plus features an array of delicious delicacies and fresh, nutritious agricultural and fisheries products sourced directly from local farms and fisherfolk, ensuring that quality and sustainability remain at the heart of the initiative.
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The trade fair is more than just a marketplaceโit is a platform for economic empowerment, offering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and local farmers an opportunity to showcase their products, expand their reach, and enhance their livelihoods.
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Senior Project Officer ECCP/EU-BAEP CRESCENT, Cyril Jerome B. Almanzor, highlighted the significance of this partnership in promoting sustainable agricultural growth in the region.
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โThe BAEP-ECCP is grateful to be selected as a partner by MAFAR, as this collaboration enables us to extend direct support to Smallholder farmers, Farmers Associations, and Cooperativesโ Almanzor stated.
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By providing a venue for local businesses and producers, the MAFARamadhan Trade Fair Plus serves as a bridge between entrepreneurs and consumers, fostering economic stability and self-sufficiency within the Bangsamoro region.
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During the opening ceremony, Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., expressed his gratitude to the participating entrepreneurs and vendors, acknowledging their contributions to the success of the event.
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โTo our entrepreneur partners who are here today, thank you very much to all of you. MAFARamadhan would not be complete without you.โ
Minister Yacob also emphasized the importance of food safety and consumer well-being, urging vendors to prioritize the quality of the products they sell.
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โMy suggestion is if we are selling food, please consider the safety and well-being of the consumers. Do not focus solely on profit. Make sure that everything you cook is fresh to ensure the safety of those who will buy from you.โ
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With food playing a central role in Ramadhan traditions, the MAFARamadhan Trade Fair Plus aims to ensure that every meal served is not only delicious but also safe and healthy for all.
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The MAFARamadhan Trade Fair Plus is not just a commercial event it is a celebration of faith, culture, and community resilience. It highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture and fisheries, bridging economic opportunities with the values โโof Ramadhan: generosity, service, and unity.
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As the event continues throughout the holy month, it is expected to benefit both entrepreneurs and consumers, providing them with access to high-quality, affordable, and locally produced goods. Through partnerships like EU-BAEP CRESCENT, MAFAR remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the Bangsamoro people, empower small businesses, and strengthen the region’s agricultural sector.
With faith, collaboration, and shared prosperity, the MAFARamadhan Trade Fair Plus sets the stage for a meaningful and impactful Ramadhan 2025.
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In addition, BDG for Agriculture Services Engr. Ismail A. Guiamel, BDG for Fisheries Services Pendatun S. Patarasa, MPA, BDG for Agrarian Reform Services Taugan S. Kikay, Ph.D., Director II, AFMS Julie O. Maliga, Director II, Research Development and Extension Tong Abas, Chief, EDESS Pendatun L. Mambatawan, MPA and AMAD Chief Hamsur Zaid attended the event demonstrating the ministry’s unwavering support for the initiative.
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