About 5,195 Bicolanos in provinces with high poverty incidence are projected to benefit from four subprojects approved by the Bicol Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) on April 21 for the funding of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

The RPAB, which is composed of the representatives of concerned government agencies, approved three enterprise development (I-REAP) proposals of proponent groups from Masbate, Catanduanes, and Albay with a total amount of P34.03 million, and one infrastructure development (I-BUILD) subproject in Catanduanes amounting to P92.15 million.

The concreting of the seven-kilometer Caramoran Junction Sabangan–Datag East Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Caramoran, Catanduanes will resolve limited access to abaca production areas and reduce freight and hauling cost of agricultural produce. The P92.15 million-worth FMR, which is the province’s first I-BUILD subproject, also intends to reduce poverty incidence in the project influence area. According to the Community-based Monitoring System in 2014, the project influence area has a poverty incidence of 39.31 or equivalent to 2,071 households.

The RPAB also approved the Masbate Goat Production and Marketing I-REAP subproject proposed by the clustered proponent groups in Cataingan, Palanas, Baleno and Aroroy, Masbate. With QUENSCUP Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Marginal Farmers Cooperative as the lead proponent group, the P14.14 million-worth enterprise is the province’s first I-REAP subproject which will focus on genetic improvement service and live goat for slaughter that will benefit 1,099 members.

“Maraming salamat at naabot din kami ng serbisyo ng pamahalaan after a long period of time. Sa tulong ng PRDP magkakaroon ng permanenteng buyer or market ’yong mga products ng mga farmer-members at magkakaroon sila ng pagkakataon na mag-alaga ng kambing at sa pamamagitan noon, madagdagan din ang kanilang kita (We are thankful that government services finally reached us after a long period of time. With the help of PRDP, the farmer-members’ products will have a permanent buyer or market. They will also have the opportunity to raise goats and increase their incomes),” Zaldy Rapsing, President of the Baleno Christian Masagana Multi-purpose Cooperative, said.

Baleno Christian Masagana Multi-purpose Cooperative President Zaldy Rapsing discusses the proposed Masbate Goat Production and Marketing subproject for the RPAB’s review, approval, and endorsement for PRDP funding. (Photo by Eduardo D. Collantes Jr., DA-PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)

Meanwhile, the Camote Creations Farmers and Entrepreneurs Producers Cooperative’s Sweet Potato-based Products Processing Enterprise in Daraga, Albay is projected to benefit 48 members. The said enterprise proposed the provision of a 252 square-meter processing center, upgrading of processing equipment, and provision of a hauling truck, and delivery vehicle. Worth P10.43 million, it is Albay’s second regular subproject that was approved for PRDP funding next to Albay Coco Geonets Manufacturing Project, which is now under procurement and implementation of its I-BUILD component.

“Gusto namin hindi lang maging profitable ’yong enterprise, but ma-recognize ng farmers na ang farming is a good occupation (We want not only a profitable enterprise but also one that would help farmers recognize that farming is a good occupation). When we see the impact, this will serve as a model,” Nolan Belaro, President of Camote Creations Farmers and Entrepreneurs Producers Cooperative, said.

Camote Creations Farmers and Entrepreneurs Producers Cooperative President Nolan Belaro (seated, 3rd from left) listens to the RPAB members’ comments and recommendations to improve the Sweet Potato-based Products Processing Enterprise subproject proposal. (Photo by Eduardo D. Collantes Jr., DA-PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)

The Mangrove Crab Production and Marketing Enterprise to be implemented by the Panganiban Fisherfolk Association Inc., the second regular I-REAP subproject in Catanduanes, was also approved and endorsed for PRDP funding by the RPAB. The P9.46 million-worth enterprise is expected to benefit 132 members with the construction of a buying center and office building as well as the provision of assorted tools, equipment, and vehicles.

“Sa ngayon, individual ang approach ng mga mangrove crab farmers. Kanya-kanya sila ng huli tapos kung sino ang bibili, pinagbibili. This time, may buying center tayong i-eestablish na kung saan doon p’wedeng dalhin lahat ng huli nila either crablets or market-size crabs. So merong bibili at magpapabili (Currently, the mangrove crab farmers take the individual approach wherein they would individually catch and sell mangrove crabs. This time, a buying center will be established where they can bring their crablets or market-size crabs),” Romeo Aquino, PRDP Co-coordinator of the Catanduanes Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit, said.

PPMIU-Catanduanes PRDP Co-coordinator Romeo Aquino presents an overview of the proposed Concreting of the seven-kilometer Caramoran Junction Sabangan–Datag East Farm-to-Market Road in Caramoran, Catanduanes to the RPAB members. (Photo by Eduardo D. Collantes Jr., DA-PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)

Reports from the National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) 2012 show that Masbate has the highest poverty incidence in Bicol at 53.73 percent. Meanwhile, Catanduanes and Albay account for 34.77 percent and 38.03 percent of the region’s poverty incidence, respectively.

The PRDP is a six-year World Bank-assisted project aimed at reducing poverty in the countryside by investing in an inclusive, climate-resilient and value chain-oriented agri-fishery sector. The Project partners with provincial and municipal LGUs as well as the private sector in providing key infrastructures, facilities, and technology to increase rural incomes, productivity and competitiveness. ### (Annielyn L. Baleza, DA-PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)