TARLAC – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) together with the Provincial Government of Tarlac headed by Governor Susan Yap led the ground-breaking rites of some I-REAP subprojects amounting to P9.9 million held separately on January 16-17, 2020, here.

The subprojects include the Establishment of Nursery and Consolidation Area for Sweet Potato and Clean Planting Materials in Mayantoc (P3 million), Establishment of Mango Trading Station in Sta Ignacia (P1.5 million) and the Establishment of Mungbean Trading Post with Custom Service Facilities in La Paz (P5.4 million).

Among the recipients of the subprojects are the Mayantoc Sweet Potato Clean Planting Material Producers Cooperative, Hardinero Agriculture Cooperative and the Caut Farmers Field School Marketing Cooperative.

In a brief speech, Governor Yap lauded the PRDP as it complements the agricultural sector in alleviating the current situation of farmers.

The lady governor also took the opportunity to congratulate the cooperative-beneficiaries as these subprojects were fruits of their labor in getting the approved business plan from PRDP since 2017.

She also urged the cooperatives to continue in strengthening their organization for the benefit of their members and the continuous growth of the province.

Meanwhile, Regional Project Coordination Office (PRCO 3) Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Head June H. Lacasandile stressed these subprojects were another breakthrough to the province as these will boost several commodities that will encourage local economy in Tarlac.

“Congratulations and we look forward to the success of these projects,” Lacasandile added.

The DA-PRDP has likewise provided other interventions to the cooperatives such as mother plant, tractors, delivery trucks, modified kulambo, mungbean seeds, plastic seater, hermentic cocoon, plastic packaging, sacks,trolley, electric bag sewer, nylon thread, PVC pallet, analog weighing scale, moisture meter, seed cleaner/sorter and working capital.

Also present during the event are Vice-Governor Atty. Carlito David, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Bong Rivera, Tarlac Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU) Head Frances Camacho, PRDP -Project Support Office (PSO) Lateefa Daquis, RPCO 3 I-BUILD Rural Infrastructure Engineer Jun Clinton Gonzales, I-REAP Business Development Officer Carissa Cabubus, and other local chief executives. (Ma. Reina Len Luna, RPCO3 InfoACE)