MSU- Maguindanao forges partnership with MAFAR-BARMM for the implementation of Mangrove Crab Project

#MSUMag | A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the DOST-PCAARRD funded project titled “Adoption of Improved Commercial-Scale Mangrove Crab Hatchery-Nursery System in Parang, Maguindanao” between Mindanao State University-Maguindanao headed by Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona, Ph.D, and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR)- BARMM headed by Minister Mohammad S. Yacob represented by Ms. Arphia Ebus, the Chief of Staff, was signed on December 6, 2022 at Simeon Datumanong Hall, Graduate Studies, Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

This agreement ought to strengthen the academe-government partnership in the promotion, establishment, and management of a commercial-scale mangrove crab hatchery-nursery system.

MSU-Maguindanao will provide a technical assistance in the fisheries or aquaculture livelihood program of the MAFAR-BARMM and train the fisherfolks including former combatants, aquaculture practitioners, other stakeholders, and potential aquaculturists and investors on hatchery, nursery and grow-out culture of mangrove crabs.

On the other hand, MAFAR-BARMM will identify or select the participants/beneficiaries for establishment of crab farming units based on set criteria (e.g. owns or leases pond, former combatants, willing to invest in the operation, interests in mangrove crab farming), provide financial support for the transportation expenses of the identified beneficiaries during the training activities which will be conducted by MSU-Maguindanao and farm inputs (crablets, fish nettings, etc.) to beneficiaries, and market any crabs that will be produced.

Present during the ceremonial signing were Mr. Pendatun S. Patarasa, the Bangsamoro Director General for Fisheries Services of MAFAR-BARMM, Dr. Macmod Mamalangkap, the Director II of Fisheries Services of MAFAR-BARMM, VCRED and Project Leader, Dr. Ramjie Y. Odin,
Dir. Noel A. Catibog, Director of Technology-Transfer and Promotion Division of DOST-PCAARRD and MAFAR and MSU-Maguindanao staff.