INCOMING JAPANESE INVESTOR. Department of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol says he hopes the deal that the DA signed with Japanese distributor Farmind Corp., would contribute to the attainment of lasting and sustainable peace in Mindanao. The deal of distributing 20 million boxes of cavendish Bananas every year was inked during President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to Japan. Piñol speaks in a press conference on Thursday, Nov. 10. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Japan-based commodity supplier Farmind Corporation is eyeing to put up banana plantations in conflict areas of Mindanao, a Cabinet official said.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol told reporters here Thursday that he will meet Moro Islamic Liberation Front Vice Chairman Ghadzali Jaafar to discuss the terms and agreements of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Department of Agriculture and Farmind Corporation.
The MOU, according to Piñol, was signed last month during the state visit of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte in Japan. The DA secretary, however, did not disclose when he will meet the MILF official.
“During the state visit in Japan, the Department of Agriculture signed a MOU with Farmind. In the MOU, we signed for a supply of 20 million boxes of Cavendish banana every year, translated to production area, that’s about 7,000 hectares,” Piñol said.
“The only thing that Farmind Corporation would like to happen is that these commodities, these banana farms should be produced in former conflict areas, or in conflict areas,” he said.
Farmind Corporation is a Japanese commodity supplier that delivers to different supermarkets all over Japan.
Piñol said the banana supply deal with Farmind Corp. would bring job opportunities to areas believed to be strongholds of the Moro rebels.
“The 20 million boxes, and the 7,000 hectares, could be translated to 14,000 direct jobs for former rebels and active rebels who would like to work. That does not include the allied services connected with the banana production like the drivers,” he said, suggesting that MILF rebels should “organize and form their own corporations.”
“We would like them to get involve in the production of these bananas so that their lives may improve. If they are able to organize their own corporations, the Land Bank of Philippines could come in and finance,” Piñol said.
Some areas identified were Maguindanao, Saranggani, North and South Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur.
When pressed to comment if the project will end the conflict in the said areas, Piñol said, “I cannot say that with certainty but of course, you know, people change the moment they see a bright future for themselves and their children, so it could be a contributory factor to the attainment of lasting and sustainable peace in Mindanao.” (davaotoday.com)
