Three new enterprises and one infrastructure will be funded by the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in CALABARZON region after passing the review of Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) review held in Lucena City, May 10.

An interagency board composed of representatives from seven government agencies and one from the private sector, it is tasked to review and approve infrastructure and enterprise proposals for PRDP funding. The board, likewise, has the sole power to approve or defer variations and changes made on ongoing subprojects.

Approved enterprises include the P6.04-million “Lopez Tablea Production” enterprise of Cacao Growers Association of Lopez, the P8.90-million “Seaweeds Production and Marketing in Perez, Quezon” enterprise of Pambayang Pederasyon ng mga Mangingisda sa Bayang ng Perez, and the P5.87-million “Tanauan City Banana Production, Trading and Processing” enterprise of Tanauan Organic and Natural Farmers Association Inc. The provincial government of Quezon will contribute their share of equity.

The board also gave the green light for the repackaging of the farm-to-market road of Lucban, Quezon. This P75.97-million infrastructure will connect the barangays of Nalunao, Kalangay, Mahabang Parang, Aliliw, Kabatete, and Piis. The local government of Lucban was able to convince the RPAB that the proposed repackaged proposal will ensure the stability of the strength of the concreted road and warrant the improvement of the links from production areas to markets.

The board’s chairperson is Director Arnel de Mesa, DA Region IV CALABARZON. Other members present during the review were Farmer-Director and Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Chairperson Pedrito Kalaw as well as representatives from agrarian reform, interior and local government, public works and highways, and environment and natural resources departments. (### Lawrence Albert Bariring, PRDP CALABARZON RPCO InfoACE Unit)

DA Region IV CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Arnel de Mesa talks with other members of the Regional Project Advisory Board.

President of Lopez Cacao Growers Association presents their proposed table production enterprise to the board. It is one of the three enterprises approved for funding by the RPAB.