DAF-ARMM celebrates 18th devolution anniversary

Cotabato City – The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) takes pride in its exemplary performance as it celebrates its 18th devolution anniversary.

The agency was devolved to the autonomous regional government in 1991 by virtue of Executive Order No. 460 signed by then President Corazon Aquino.
Keise Usman, DAF-ARMM Secretary, said that the agency’s full-devolution has made them more efficient and responsive to the needs of their clienteles in the region.

They were able to undertake critical programs that have boosted the region’s agriculture, he said.

Based on the data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), ARMM continues to lead in agri-fishery and seaweeds production in the country and ranks fifth in corn production. Moreover, its component province of Maguindanao ranks tenth in rice production.

“We would like to ensure our farmers and fisherfolks that we will be taking proactive stance to ensure the steady growth of our agriculture and economy,” ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan said in his message read for him by Exec. Sec. Oscar Sampulna.
Despite the ongoing conflicts in Maguindanao, overall agricultural yield in the province and the region as a whole remains cost-effective.

To mark the celebration, the agency turned over post-harvest facilities and equipment to identified beneficiaries in the different member-provinces of the ARMM and awarded special recognition to employees who have been with the agency for more than 30 years.

The anniversary also coincided with the culmination of the farmers and fisherfolks month, which is being observed on May of each year.
Usman said they would be working to increase the production of high-value commercial crops in the region. Likewise, the agency would intensify the promotion of organic farming and sustainable fishing.

DAF-ARMM currently provides regular training on organic farming including the preparation of organic fertilizers and vegetable production.


ARMM Executive Secretary, Atty. Oscar Sampulna Sr. delivers the Keynote Message of Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan during the 18th Devolution Anniversary of Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM) and culminating celebration of Farmers and Fisherfoks Month on May 26 at DAF-ARMM Court, ARMM Compound, Cotabato City. Governor Ampatuan is grateful to the men and women of DAF-ARMM who persistently plan, formulate policies, implement and monitor projects and programs beneficial for the prime movers of ARMM’s economy – the farmers and fisherfoks. The activity is pursuant to Executive Order No. 460 dated May 17, 1991 and signed by President Corazon Aquino, devolving to the Autonomous Regional Government of the ARMM the powers and functions of the Department of Agriculture.


DAF-ARMM Regional Secretary Keise Usman expresses gratitude to ARMM officials, secretaries and directors of different ARMM line agencies and notably to his personnel during the 18th Devolution Anniversary of DAF-ARMM and culminating celebration of Farmers and Fisherfoks Month on May 26 at DAF-ARMM Court, ARMM Compound, Cotabato City. Sec. Usman remarked that the agrifishery department, in no way, would establish policies and standards for efficent operations and provide comprehensive services to farmers and fisherfolks, if not for the active support of the regional government and the people of the autonomous region.


ARMM officials grace the 18th Devolution Anniversary of Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM) and culminating celebration of Farmers and Fisherfoks Month on May 26 at DAF-ARMM Court, ARMM Compound, Cotabato City. Shown here are (L-R) DAF-ARMM Reg. Sec. Keise Usman, ARMM Exec. Sec. Oscar Sampulna Sr., DAF-ARMM Asst. Sec. Bai Racma Ambolodto, ARMM Cab. Sec. Ulama Acad, and BPI-ARMM Exec. Dir. Samson Gogo.