COTABATO CITY—The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), in partnership with the European Union-funded Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Program (EU-BAEP), officially opened the MAFARamadhan Trade Fair Plus 2025, providing a platform for local farmers and entrepreneurs to showcase their products.

Located at the Bangsamoro Government Center here, the month-long fair highlights sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, and access to high-quality, locally sourced food products.

MAFAR Minister Mohammad Yacob led the launch on March 1, acknowledging the crucial role of private sector partners and development organizations in making the trade fair possible.

He also underscored the importance of food safety and consumer well-being, urging vendors to prioritize quality over profit.

“If we are selling food, please consider the safety and well-being of consumers. Ensure that everything you cook is fresh to guarantee the safety of those who buy from you,” he added.

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is implementing the CRESCENT Project (or the Creating Responsible, Sustainable, and Competitive Enterprises in the Agri-Business Sector of BARMM), a four-year EU-funded initiative under the Bangsamoro Agro-Enterprise Program (BAEP).

The project aims to promote rural and value chain development to enhance agri-fishery businesses and support inclusive growth in the Bangsamoro region.

EU-BAEP Project Senior Project Officer Cyril Jerome Almanzor emphasized that the collaboration allows direct support for smallholder farmers, farmers’ associations, and cooperatives, reinforcing sustainable agricultural growth in the region.

“The BAEP-ECCP is grateful to collaborate with MAFAR. This partnership allows us to extend direct support to smallholder farmers, farmers’ associations, and cooperatives,” Almanzor stated.

Organized by MAFAR’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) in collaboration with EU-BAEP CRESCENT, the trade fair serves as both a marketplace and a means to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

More than just a commercial event, the MAFARamadhan Trade Fair Plus 2025 reflects the values of Ramadhan—generosity, service, and unity—while strengthening economic stability and self-sufficiency for the Bangsamoro people.