READ| The Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament approved the Proposed Bill No. 39, “An Act Establishing the Bangsamoro Agriculture and Fisheries Training Institute, Appropriating Funds therefor and for other Purposes,” during the Third Regular Session No. 68 of the BTA- Parliament, July 17, 2024.

The Bangsamoro Agriculture and Fisheries Training Institute (BAFTI) Bill, introduced by the Government of the Day, aims to establish a training institute in the Bangsamoro Region to lead in the implementation of highly technical training and short courses related to agriculture and fisheries.

In his speech during the voting period, MP Yacob reiterates the importance of the bill.

“The Bangsamoro Agriculture, Fisheries Training Institute (BAFTI) bill holds great importance for our Bangsamoro community. It aims to improve the lives of our farmers and fisherfolk and address the critical issue of food security in our region.” MP Yacob said.

“By establishing this institute, we can provide our people with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their agricultural and fisheries practices, leading to increased productivity and income.” He added.

MP Yacob also gave his gratitude to Chief Minister and to the officers of CAFAR.

“On behalf of Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ibrahim, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the tireless efforts and dedication of the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (CAFAR) under the able leadership of Chairman MP. Matarul M. Estino, Vice-Chairman Amroussi A. Macatnong, and Ramon A. Piang Sr., along with all members, ex-officio, committee Secretariat, and everyone else involved. Your hard work and commitment in scrutinizing and ensuring that all necessary processes and stages have been followed for the Bangsamoro Agriculture, Fisheries Training Institute (BAFTI) have not gone unnoticed. I commend you for your services to our people.”

“Madam Speaker and my colleagues in Bangsamoro Parliament, imagine a future where our entrepreneur-partners, our farmers and fisherfolk within our territory, can finally believe that agriculture and fisheries are viable ways to economically and financially progress while simultaneously achieving the food security that we all aspire to.” He added.

MP Yacob ends his speech by hoping that the Members of the Parliament who were present during the session will take the correct steps for our farmers to have a brighter future by giving them the proper attention, assistance, and investment they deserve.

It was noted that MP Yacob initially introduced the BAFTI during the first set of the BTA. The proposed bill has effectively progressed to the second reading stage of the legislative process. Nevertheless, the measure was unable to proceed to the third reading due to the impending conclusion of the first BTA and time constraints. Fortunately, the government of the day acknowledged the bill’s importance during the second set of the BTA and incorporated it into the priority legislation.

With a vote of 45 Yes, 0 No, and 0 Abstain, the Members of Parliament gave their outstanding approval for the creation of BAFTI.