MAFAR livelihood training helps Sulu women rebuild incomes, support peace

PATIKUL, Sulu (December 16) — Strengthening women-led livelihoods is helping communities in Sulu move toward peace and recovery as the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) trains women farmers in financial literacy and income-generating skills.

On December 9, MAFAR conducted a financial literacy and livelihood training in Barangay Timpuk for 45 members of the Mawalil Wasit Estate Farmers Association under its Support to Women Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (SWARB) program.

The activity focused on budgeting, savings, and basic financial management—skills aimed at improving household finances and supporting small enterprises in communities affected by years of conflict and economic instability.

“For us mothers, learning how to manage money and earn from what we grow is very important,” said one participant. “If we have stable income, our families are more peaceful and our children are more secure.”

Beyond financial literacy, participants joined hands-on product processing sessions, including a demonstration on banana chip production, allowing them to explore value-adding livelihood options using locally available crops.

“This is not only about financial management but also about improving livelihoods through product processing and enhancement,” said Patikul MAFAR Municipal Officer Mudjamier S. Hailid.

Officials said empowering women farmers plays a crucial role in post-conflict recovery by strengthening household stability, reducing economic vulnerability, and reinforcing community self-reliance.

To help participants immediately apply their skills, MAFAR also distributed kitchen utensils to support continued food processing activities at the community level.

MAFAR said it will continue implementing women-focused livelihood programs as part of broader efforts to promote inclusive development and lasting peace in Sulu.