Four enterprise development (I-REAP) subprojects presented for the review of the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) received the Board’s approval on April 25 in Quezon City. Three of the said subprojects are from Batangas, while one is from Quezon Province.

“We are glad that we have more enterprise proposals coming from different provinces. It shows that our efforts in encouraging local government units (LGUs) to avail of our component’s services are working,” CALABARZON Regional Project Coordination Office I-REAP Component Head Editha Salvosa said.

The Batangas Kapeng Barako Production and Processing subproject of Nasugbu, Batangas will help the province reach its goal in revitalizing the kapeng barako (barako coffee) industry. This P2.9-million worth subproject will be handled by the Aga Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

The Batangas Seaweeds Farmer’s Association (BASEFA) will lead three other groups for their Seaweeds Production and Marketing subproject in Calatagan, Batangas. This P6.2-million worth enterprise will help seaweeds growers in the town provide the required volumes of export processors in the region.

One of the largest enterprise development (I-REAP) proposal approved in the region is the P30.7-million worth Batangas Dairy Cattle Production of the Batangas Dairy and Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BADACO) in Lipa City, which will expand the group’s milk production through stock infusion.

Another seaweeds production and marketing proposal, which is from the Samahan ng Mangingisda at Magsi-seaweeds sa Brgy. Villa San Isidro (SMMVSI) of Calauag, Quezon, was also accepted by the Board. The P11.2-million worth subproject will also include seaweeds association from three more barangays in Calauag.

The enterprise subprojects’ local government equity will come from their respective provincial governments. Aside from I-REAP proposals, the variation order for Guinayangan, Quezon’s infrastructure development (I-BUILD) subproject, the “Concreting of Mangagawa–Capuluan Central Farm-to-Market Road,” was also approved. The variation worth P16-million involves additional road works and improvement of cross drains.

Aside from the Department of Agriculture-CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Arnel De Mesa, who served as the Board chairperson, other representatives that were present during the review were from the regional offices of the Departmentsof Agrarian Reform, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Trade and Industry. The chairperson for Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC), also attended the activity as the private sector representative. ### (Lawrence Albert Bariring, CALABARZON RPCO InfoACE Unit)

CALABARZON RPCO M&E Unit Head Rose Alonsozana provides an overview on the Regional Project Advisory Board meeting.