The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will implement before the end of the year Mindanao Aqua-Fisheries Development program (MAFDEV) after the Department of Finance has recently approved the European Union (EU) grantfor the region.
In a statement, MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the project is expected to maximize productivity and reduce poverty in the fisheries sector in the region and aid in their economic recovery from the effects of COVID-19.
MAFDEV is one of the priority projects submitted to the EU delegation for inclusion in the P2.1-billion Mindanao Peace and Development- Rise Mindanao grant fund.
MAFDEV aims to organize and empower aqua and fisheries stakeholders as well as establish fish processing complexes including ice flakes and blocks-making equipment, blast freezing machinery, cold storage and processing facilities such as fish drying equipment. It will also set up digital platform to determine the supply and demand situation for aqua and fisheries products in Mindanao and create domestic and foreign market linkages to ensure profitability for the stakeholders.
MAFDEV covers Davao Oriental, Basilan, Sulu, Tawitawi, Camiguin, Dinagat islands and provinces facing Davao Gulf, Pacific Ocean, Visayan Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, Moro Gulf, Illana Bay and Saranggani Bay.
Beneficiaries of the program will also include fish pond and fish cage operators in the different coastal areas and coves of Mindanao.
