Chancellor Limbona stressed that the partnership with WFP strengthens the University’s role in generating and sharing scientific data, developing innovative solutions to address food and nutrition insecurity, and supporting the BARMM government’s initiatives. She added that it also aligns with the University’s commitment to uplift the communities it serves, ensuring that research and extension efforts directly address the needs of the Bangsamoro people, especially those in vulnerable and underserved areas.

Meanwhile, WFP Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman emphasized the value of the partnership, noting that it combines WFP’s global expertise with MSU-Maguindanao’s deep local knowledge to tackle hunger and promote climate-resilient communities in the Bangsamoro.

Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Raquel D. Santiago-Arenas agreed, describing the collaboration as strategic given MSU-Maguindanao’s academic and research strengths in agriculture, fisheries, climate adaptation, and community development. She added, “Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the Bangsamoro Government’s Zero Hunger goals, strengthening local capacities, and fostering sustainable, equitable development.”

In line with these initiatives, MSU-Maguindanao will mobilize experts in food systems, climate adaptation, and gender-responsive programming to support WFP projects, while WFP will provide technical resources and facilitate exchange visits to promote best practices. This partnership builds on previous collaborations, including the 2024 Community-Based Participatory Planning workshops in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, which identified key livelihood challenges and environmental stressors in local communities.

Under the 2025–2027 cooperation work plan, joint initiatives will include capacity building for smallholder farmers, climate-smart agriculture training, integrating food security and nutrition resources into the curriculum, and developing Local Climate Change Adaptation Plans (LCCAPs) in priority barangays. The plan will also cover watershed management, post-harvest loss reduction, value addition in agricultural products, and the creation of culturally sensitive tools to support cooperatives.

Through this partnership, MSU-Maguindanao and WFP will work together to maximize resources, align with BARMM’s convergence priorities, and deliver impactful interventions that advance food security and build climate-resilient communities.

Joining the signing were WFP Cotabato Sub-Office Head Lyca Sarenas, together with the WFP team and members of MSU-Maguindanao, including graduate program coordinators, project staff, directors, faculty, and other personnel.

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