Quezon City: In a significant move toward bolstering agricultural productivity, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has introduced three World Bank-funded projects aimed at enhancing food security in the Philippines. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Novotel hotel, Quezon City, with the new DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. spearheading the event on Monday afternoon.
According to Philippines News Agency, the inauguration of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up, the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, and the Mindanao Inclusive Agricultural Development Project (MIADP) aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s objective to empower farmers and fisherfolk. These initiatives are set to establish a foundation for climate-resilient agriculture and fishery practices while also enhancing market access and overall income.
The PRDP Scale-Up intends to fortify the agricultural value chain, specifically targeting improvements in food supply chain efficiency. This broad-reaching project will span all 16 regions and 82 provinces over a six-year period ending in 2029.
The MIADP is designed with the upliftment of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs) in mind, focusing on increasing their earnings from agricultural activities. The project is backed by a substantial budget of PHP6.625 billion, with the majority funded by the World Bank loan, supplemented by government counterpart funds and equity from local government.
Furthermore, the FishCoRe Project is poised to revolutionize fisheries management in Fisheries Management Areas (FMA) 6 and 9, impacting 11 regions and 24 provinces. The project comprises three components aimed at resource planning, livelihood investments, and project implementation support.
World Bank Country Director Dr. Ndiamé Diop highlighted the projects' pivotal role in introducing resilience into the agricultural sector. He outlined the commitment to sharing climate-risk information, establishing hazard and vulnerability standards, and enabling the adoption of climate-smart technology in agri-fisheries.
In light of these developments, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, who also serves as the national project director of the PRDP, emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the success of these initiatives. He remarked that the launch reflects the DA's dedication to creating prosperous communities and expanding opportunities for those in the agricultural sector.
These strategic projects mark a collaborative effort between the Philippine government and the World Bank, setting a course for a transformative impact on the nation's agricultural and fishery industries.