Ramon, ISABELA – The World Bank Task Team kicked off the 9th Implementation Support Mission in Ramon, Isabela on Nov. 20 for the mainstreaming of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

Headed by team leader Mr. Eli Weiss, the team visited the Tilapia Production and Marketing Enterprise and Oscariz- Nagbacalan FMR in this town and the Peanut Production and Marketing Enterprise in Ambalatungan, Santiago City.

“You have started quite right, congratulations. Now, you can expand your business enterprise and strengthen your marketing strategy,” Weiss said after listening to the presentation of Jacinta Apoy, manager of Ramon Cordon Farmers Cooperative (RAMFARMCO).

During the event, Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Livestock Andrew Villacorta said these subprojects could help smallholding farmers increase their income.

ASec. Villacorta encouraged the officers and members of the cooperative to forge marketing agreements to fortify the operation of the enterprise.

For his part, National Deputy Project Director Shandy Hubilla praised the business operation of RAMFARMCO.

“The enterprises are very significant. With the additional financing, more I-REAP subprojects should be established,” Hubilla said.

Mayor Jesus Laddaran of Ramon, on the other hand, said the ongoing farm to marker road, Oscariz-Nagbacalan directly supports tilapia commodity.

In Santiago City, Mayor Joseph S. Tan said the PRDP has brought development in the rural areas in the city. “We have always looked at PRDP to bring development in rural areas. Santiago City is mainly agricultural. We have proposed I-BUILD as well as I-REAP subprojects to uplift the lives of our farm folks here,” Tan added.

Meanwhile, Cristina Macatangay, chairperson of Buenavista Multi-purpose Cooperative said the City Government did not only give its assistance in the cost-sharing scheme but also shouldered the cost needed in the procurement of goods and equipment when the TRAIN Law came into effect.

Representing Regional Executive Director and Project Director Narciso A. Edillo who is in official travel in Vietnam, Regional Technical Director Rose Mary G. Aquino thanked the guests and participants of the mission.

“Your presence represents our collaborative efforts for more progressive rural communities,” she said.

With Weiss are Ms. Agnes Deshormes, Ms. Luningning Bondoc, Engr. Dominic Aumentado, Mr. Jonas Bautista, Mr. Tomas Sta. Maria, Engr. Raoul Asanza, Ms. Marivi Ladia, and Ms. Maya Villaluz. (Dr. Ferdinand N. Cortez, RPCO2 InfoACE)