BARMM products gain attention in PH's 2nd NAFTE

Staff from BARMM's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) explained to visitors the materials used in some of the products showcased by BARMM during the second National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Exhibition (NAFTE) held in Cagayan de Oro City on June 4–6, 2024. (Photo: ZRD/PIA-10)

Agri-food and non-food products from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) drew attention during the second National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Exhibition (NAFTE) held in Cagayan de Oro City on June 4–6. 

Organized by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), NAFTE serves as a platform to showcase a diverse array of agri-fishery technologies and research aimed at addressing the needs of Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders within the country’s agri-fishery sector. 

In the exhibit, the BARMM featured a selection of products, including Inaul garments, coffee powder, tinadtag (crispy rice cake), dodol (sticky rice with coconut milk), seaweed chips, turmeric powder, and fresh farm produce, among others.

"Nag-participate kami dito sa NAFTE to showcase the products related sa kultura ng Bangsamoro. Nandito 'yung mga fabrics natin na gawa sa Basilan, Maguindanao, and Lanao. Mayroon din tayong ini-showcase na food products like seaweed chips na gawa seaweeds," said Abdul Nasseef Ulong, supervising agriculturist of BARMM's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR). 

(We participated in the NAFTE to showcase products related to the culture of the Bangsamoro. We have our fabrics made in Basilan, Maguindanao, and Lanao. We also showcased food products like seaweed chips, made from seaweeds.)

Ulong highlighted the submission of the 'palapa' product as BARMM's official entry for the Best Innovative Product category. Scallion, ginger, chili, and oil combine to make Palapa, a renowned appetizer from Lanao del Sur.

"Isa sa innovation sa palapa aside from being used as paste, sa ngayon pwede na rin siyang gawing seasoning or panggarnish. Meron na tayong palapa powder with turmeric, shrimp, and other additives na," he noted.

(One innovation in palapa, aside from being used as a paste, is that it can now also be used as seasoning or garnish. We now have palapa powder with turmeric, shrimp, and other additives.)

Palapa was BARMM's official entry for the Best Innovative Product category during the second National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Exhibition (NAFTE) held in Cagayan de Oro City on June 4–6, 2024. Lanao del Sur crafts Palapa, a renowned appetizer, from scallion, ginger, chili, and oil. (Photo: ZRD/PIA-10)

To enhance the quality and shelf life of palapa, efforts were made to standardize its production process. The College of Agriculture of Mindanao State University - Marawi, with support from MAFAR, documented the production procedures and established proper ingredient measurements.

"Ang isa sa innovation na ginawa dito is mapahaba yung shelf life, kasi we all know na ang palapa madaling masira. There was a process done to extend the shelf life of the product. Sa ngayon ang shelf life niya ay nasa six months na, it can be stored for up to six months," Ulong explained.

(One of the innovations done is to prolong the shelf life because we all know that palapa easily spoils. A process was conducted to extend the shelf life of the product. Currently, its shelf life is up to six months; it can be stored for up to six months.)

Recognition for BARMM's participation came in the form of the "Best Booth" award, which earned the MAFAR-BARMM delegates P20,000 for their creative presentation of Bangsamoro products.

A contingent from the Bangsamoro region wins the Best Booth award during the second National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Exhibition (NAFTE) held in Cagayan de Oro City on June 4–6, 2024. (Photo courtesy of DA-BAR)

Ulong expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the region's culture on a national stage and looks forward to future opportunities to exhibit a broader range of products.

"Although this is the second NAFTE, it's the first time for BARMM to join. We gave our best to showcase our culture through our products. There are a lot of products that are not here. So, we do hope that in the future of NAFTE, we can showcase that," he added.

Under the theme "Makabago at Angkop na Teknolohiya: Tulong sa Patuloy na Pag-unlad ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda para sa Bagong Pilipinas," NAFTE featured 46 exhibitors representing research for development partners from local government units, higher educational institutions, various DA regional offices, and attached agencies and bureaus across the country. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)