In the aftermath of the Marawi siege which forcibly displaced 98 percent of the total population, the Department of Agriculture (DA) visited the distressed city on July 17, 2018 to deliver a total of 3.7 million pesos worth of agri interventions as part of the government’s continuing rehabilitation efforts.

Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, who personally turned over 15 of the 46 total farm tractors from DA, shared his excitement in delivering various farm implements and other interventions which seek to help the affected residents of the city.

In his message, Piñol presented the viability and profitability of growing highland banana varieties in Marawi given the city’s elevation of 700 meters.

“This variety is in demand in the international markets, Japan and South Korea in particular,” Piñol said.

The Secretary added that Japan has also expressed interest in purchasing 20 million boxes of cavendish bananas grown in former conflict areas in Mindanao like Marawi under the condition that it fits their quality requirements.

The agri chief also announced that barangay food terminals (BFT) are being eyed to be established in the area, which will initially sell NFA rice at 27 pesos per kilo.

“These terminals will be operated by the women of Marawi,” he added.

Other basic food commodities like Halal-certified chickens, fish, and other food items will also be available in the said BFTs.

“Food is the most vital element in the community. Without this, its population won’t be able to be productive” Piñol added.

On top of these assistance, Piñol committed an additional unit of rice harvester and two units of solar power irrigation system to boost food production of Marawi as well as help in generating additional income in line with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to help the city recover and rise from the ashes, and regain prosperity.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra shared that moving forward after the siege has been a great challenge for the people of Marawi but with the interventions delivered by the Department of Agriculture, they were able to overcome the challenges.

“I express my greatest gratitude to the Department of Agriculture. As of now, we are highly dependent on different groups but we don’t want to be like this for long. With joint efforts from various agencies and organizations, Marawi will rise once again,” he added. ### (Carlos Cezar Baldosa, DA-AFID)