Cotabato City – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), Bangsamoro Agri-Fishery Training Institute (BAFTI), and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-Regional Training Center XII have agreed to forge stronger collaboration to enhance training and extension activities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

A productive meeting, held at the Office of the Director General for Fisheries Services at MAFAR’s Regional Office in Bangsamoro Government Center, was attended by key officials, including BAFTI OIC-Executive Director and Director General (DG) for Fisheries Services Pendatun Patarasa, MPA, ATI OIC-Center Director Dr. Jessie V. Beldia, OIC-Assistant Center Director Hannadi Guiamad-Pompong, and OIC-Chief of ISS John Lord L. Auman.

The discussion resulted in several key agreements and strategic plans. BAFTI has secured a ₱7 million budget for 2024, reinforcing its capacity to deliver training programs. BAFTI also plans for the hiring of plantilla positions in the 1st Quarter of 2025 and the establishment of a physical office within two years.
According to DG Patarasa, while ATI will focus on agriculture-related programs, BAFTI will integrate fisheries extension activities to address the unique needs of BARMM. BAFTI will also request a list of Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) in BARMM and identify trained MAFAR personnel who can serve as resource persons for various training programs, he added. 

He also mentioned to pilot specialized training programs and benchmarking activities will be conducted in partnership with ATI Central Office and ATI Regions 9 and 12.

Last January 7, 2025, the team also conducted a courtesy visit to MAFAR Chief of Staff and ICTS Head, Ms. Musrifa Mago, to discuss the Techno Gabay Program. The program aims to provide MAFAR provincial and municipal offices with closer access to agri-fishery information and knowledge to benefit their clientele through the establishment of Farmers Information and Technology Services Center.

This strengthened collaboration among ATI, BAFTI, and MAFAR reflects a shared commitment to building inclusive, efficient, and sustainable agri-fishery programs in BARMM.