By Kenneth Marcos 
In the far-flung island of Mapun, Tawi-Tawi, farmers once struggled to access new farming knowledge and support. Isolated and reachable only by boat, the community faced challenges in improving their rice harvests and livelihoods.
This changed when Al-Zhaheen K. Hadji Malik joined the Rice Specialists’ Training Course under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Extension Program. The training introduced him to modern farming technologies and techniques that he now shares with fellow farmers in his municipality.
Today, Malik serves as the municipal officer for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and is the first-ever rice specialist in Tawi-Tawi. His role is vital in bringing updated farming methods to remote areas like Mapun, where farmers have limited access to government programs and agricultural services.
Malik’s journey highlights the importance of training programs in rural communities. By equipping local leaders with the right skills, these initiatives help farmers increase their rice yields and improve their incomes. His work encourages more farmers to adopt modern practices that can make their farms more productive and sustainable.
As the first rice specialist in Tawi-Tawi, Malik is a role model for other agricultural workers in the region. His success shows how government support and education can transform the lives of farmers even in the most isolated places.
Efforts like these are crucial in the country’s goal to boost food security and uplift the agricultural sector. When farmers learn and apply new technologies, they contribute to stronger communities and a more stable supply of rice—the staple food of many Filipinos.
Malik’s story is a reminder of the power of knowledge and government programs to help farmers thrive. It also underscores the need to reach all parts of the country, no matter how remote, with resources and training.
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