Locations
Along the banks of Rio Grande de Mindanao lies the small community of Datu Mantil, one of the barangays within the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). A predominantly Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) community with a population of just around 1,200, the residents rely on fishing for their livelihood. The Datu Mantil Makangguna Association (DMMA), the local women’s association, is taking an active role in community development and economic progress.
Suad Mustapha, the President of DMMA, knows they need to preserve the freshness of their catch for better marketability and profits. “If the fisherfolks’ catch is not properly preserved and spoils, they will suffer a loss,” she shared. Thus, in 2022, a solar-powered ice block-making machine was installed adjacent to the barangay’s newly constructed fish port through the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) support to the Bangsamoro Integrated Rehabilitation and Development (BIRD) Program by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG). The DMMA, along with barangay officials, now oversees the operations of the ice-making facility.
The local women’s association is leading the efforts to enhance the livelihood of the community’s fisherfolk.
"Women can lead the association because they can handle projects well. Women can do it because they can manage anything – from their home to their families."Suad Mustapha, President of Datu Mantil Makangguna Association
To expand their market, the DMMA again worked with UNDP as part of the Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) in Bangsamoro project supported by the Government of Japan. The initiative saw the provision of a fish truck and ice boxes to improve mobility and access, allowing the fisherfolk to sell their catch to more areas outside Datu Mantil at better prices. “We can now deliver our own fish ourselves because we have ice boxes and a vehicle,” Suad excitedly noted.
The Government of Japan provided equipment now managed by the local women’s association.
Additionally, a dump truck was also handed over to the barangay to support community infrastructure projects. The use of these new equipment is being managed by DMMA, simultaneously bringing in income for the women’s association and its members. “Women can lead the association because they can handle projects well. Women can do it because they can manage anything – from their home to their families,” declared Suad.
The remarkable strength and abilities of the members of the women’s association is irrefutable proof that investing in women helps to reshape societies. The DMMA’s leadership in their community’s sustainable development underscores the importance of providing women with equal platforms and opportunities.
