In Maguindanao del Norte, the residents rely on fishing for their livelihood and food security. However, weak and intermittent electricity make it impossible to install industrial-grade cold storage facilities to keep the catch fresh
Thankfully, under the Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood in Bangsamoro (JSB-FSL) project of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Philippines with funding from the Government of Japan, a solar-powered ice block-making facility was recently installed in the coastal town of Parang.
His Excellency Ambassador Endo Kazuya of the Embassy of Japan and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran led the handover to the local government on June 24, 2024.
The town of Parang has rich coastal and marine fishing areas and Maguindanao del Norte is known as the fishing capital.
Noting the importance of the ice block-making facility to the region, Japanese Ambassador Kazuya said, “As a coastal town, Parang’s waters remain a valuable source of sustenance and livelihood for many of its people. I hope the introduction of a solar-powered ice-making facility and its technology can help ensure such resources are harnessed efficiently. In helping attain socio-economic development with aspiration for self-sufficiency and community empowerment, we hope to foster a more resilient and cohesive community—one that contributes to the overall stability and peace in the region.”
Parang Municipal Mayor Cahar Ibay cited the strategic significance of the location. “Parang is the center of trade among the five municipalities of the Iranun Corridor, hence the facility will not only benefit our community in Parang, but the neighboring municipalities as well. Unity and cooperation of the five municipalities is vital for development of the region,” Ibay said.
The solar-powered facility addresses the problem of weak power supply as well as the issue of transportation. By having their own ice-making capacity, fisherfolk will no longer be dependent on distant ice suppliers and thus can offer their catch at competitive prices. Additionally, since solar power is a clean and efficient energy source, the facility will operate without harming the environment.
UNDP is committed to enabling development in Bangsomoro. As Ramachandran stated, “The handover of the solar-powered ice block-making facility…is part of a broader strategy to integrate sustainable energy solutions in local industries. By harnessing solar power, we reduce our carbon footprint and provide a reliable and cost-effective energy source, resilient to the region’s infrastructure challenges.”
The UNDP Philippines has installed similar facilities in Datu Mantil and Datu Binasing in Pigcawayan, Special Geographic Area of BARMM.
The Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood in Bangsamoro (FSL) project was created to support the recovery and transformation of conflict-affected communities through livelihood programs and access to food.
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