Diffusing a crisis! MinDA, DBP, Work To Reopen Maguindanao Banana Farms

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is heading efforts to reopen two huge banana plantations in Maguindanao province which employs some 4,000 workers, many of whom are former Moro rebel combatants.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process warned that the continued economic difficulties faced by the displaced workers could have serious implications on the peace and security of Maguindanao Provinde.

The banana plantations, owned by Filipino-American John Perrine, are the Al Sahar and La Fruttera Banana Farms in Talayan and Datu Paglas towns, respectively, all considered critical areas because of the presence of ISIS-inspired armed groups, closed down two years ago following economic difficulties and lack of operational funds.

During his visit to Maguindanao Province May 11, following the attack by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Datu Paglas, President Rodrigo Duterte directed MinDA to work on the reopening of the plantations.

He also instructed MinDA to coordinate with other agencies, including DSWD, to ensure that the displaced farm workers are given food assistance until they are back to work.

MinDA, DSWD, DND-OCD, MSWD-BARMM and other agencies have implemented the food distribution directives of the President.

MinDA, in the meantime, has identified a new investor which will take over the two plantations from the Perrine Group and reoperate the farm.

Yesterday, I met with DBP President Emmanuel Herbosa to thresh out the details of the financial loan package which the bank would grant to revive the banana farms with a total area of over 1,500 hectares.

Tomorrow, MinDA will organize a virtual conference between DBP Officials, the new investors group and other stakeholders to finally resolve the minor issues.

When this is done, MinDA will make a final report and recommendations to the President within the month of June.

#kunggustomaramngparaan!

(First photo shows an MILF combatant planting bananas in the Al Sahar Plantations in Talayan, Maguindanao while the other three photos taken by Argie Leparto of MinDA shows MinDA Chairman Emmanuel Piñol with DBP President Emmanuel Herbosa during a meeting at the DBP Central Office yesterday.)