Barangay Sifaran, Maguindanao del Norte, was once a front-row witness to the conflict.
Residents dropped to the ground as bullets pierced walls and mortar fire shook backyards.
For many, the sound of gunfire became a daily reminder of life in the crossfire between government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters.
Forced evacuations, lasting months at a time, were a grim routine for families caught in the middle.
For Farisah Abas, leading a thriving cooperative in this part of Maguindanao del Norte was once a distant dream. As a former “bakwit” — a term for evacuees — she had witnessed decades of struggle by the Bangsamoro people for self-determination.
The signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014 marked a turning point. For Farisah and her community, it was the beginning of a new chapter.
Today, the Sigay Kutawato Women’s RTW Marketing Cooperative stands as a testament to resilience, proving that businesses can flourish even in areas emerging from conflict.
Supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) through the Joint Task Force on Camps Transformation (JTFCT), Farisah and her cooperative have seized new opportunities.
Training from Mindanao State University (MSU), Maguindanao, on enterprise development has equipped them with the skills to produce and market organic vegetables.
“MSU, in partnership with OPAPRU, guided us in making organic products. They provided experts, seeds, and training on fertilizers,” Farisah said. “It was essential that our products be organic.”
Initially hesitant to start the venture due to risks, Farisah took the plunge after JTFCT assured marketing support for the cooperative’s produce.
The Bangsamoro Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) helped the cooperative gain exposure through the MAFARamadhan Trade Fair Plus at the Bangsamoro Parliamentary compound.
Farisah saw the timing as perfect: Ramadan is a season when families come together to celebrate with food, creating an ideal market for fresh vegetables.
The cooperative’s offerings include tomatoes, malabar spinach, green chili, string beans, sweet potato tops, cucumbers, and bananas.
Local government employees, residents, and passersby regularly buy from the co-op, which benefits from a well-paved road connecting Camp Badre to the Poblacion market.
Starting a cooperative was not without challenges. In 2016, a previous gardening venture failed due to a lack of interest and monitoring. “Before, it was just easy-going. People weren’t committed, so it failed,” Farisah said.
With MSU and OPAPRU’s involvement, the current cooperative gained structure and credibility.
Farisah, who is not a farmer by trade, initially hesitated to lead the gardening project. But her leadership and vision transformed the initiative into a sustainable enterprise.
The “RTW” in the cooperative’s name originally stood for “ready-to-wear.”
The group began as a clothing rental business for school events before branching into agriculture in 2019 with seed money from the Bangsamoro government.
Revenue from vegetable gardening has steadily grown, and Farisah encourages members to save and reinvest in the cooperative.
The cooperative is now exploring new products and markets. Plans include cultivating turmeric for powder production and venturing into catfish farming, leveraging a nearby freshwater source.
“Once you commit to a program, you can’t neglect it,” Farisah said. “We make sure the garden thrives and remains sustainable.”
More than financial gain, Farisah’s cooperative prioritizes community upliftment, particularly for women. “Cooperation and communication are key. Without them, the group won’t last,” she stressed.
Widowed but resilient, Farisah has led the cooperative for seven years while raising three children, who are now professionals in social work and IT.
Barangay Sifaran cannot erase its history as a refuge for former combatants.
Yet, Farisah and the Sigay Kutawato Women’s Cooperative are proving that a community once displaced can build a future marked by entrepreneurship, solidarity, and hope.
From bakwits to business leaders, these women are redefining what’s possible for themselves and the next generation.
