Through the Investments in Rural Enterprise and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (IREAP) component, The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) conducts an emergency meeting to the Local Government Units (LGUs) and Proponent Groups (PGs) on August 13, 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City.

Larry Paraluman, Enterprise Development and Marketing Specialist of IREAP-10, said that the meeting is purposely called to catch up with the deadline of fund disbursement of the implemented subprojects of the four PGs by end of 2020. “We called this emergency meeting so we can be able to fast track the disbursement and utilization of funds and complete the subprojects before the year ends. We will address all of your concerns that might hinder you from procuring or purchasing the items you needed for your subprojects”

On her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and PRDP-10 Deputy Project Director Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized to raise all pressing concerns in the implementation of their respective subprojects. “If you have concerns about your respective subprojects, please ask them here because we can’t afford to make another catch-up plan since time is running out. We only have until December of this year to be able to disburse our funds so we have to act fast or else, we will not be able to enjoy our hard works. Remember that these subprojects you proposed are not for PRDP nor for DA, but for you and your members.” Madriaga added.

Closing the activity, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and IREAP-10 Component Head Carmelita T. Bajarla thanked the participants for answering their call to the emergency meeting. “Now is not the best time to go out because of the pandemic and yet you are here. It only signifies how you wanted these subprojects for your community. You are all fortunate to receive such subprojects because this is an opportunity to make your life better, not just for you, but for your community as well, so let’s do our best to do our part in attaining these.”

Present on the said meeting are representatives of Dulag Farmers Association of Iligan City, Agay-ayan Multipurpose Cooperative of Gingoog City, Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperative from El Salvador City, and Paglaum Multipurpose Cooperative who joined via teleconference, representatives from the cities and municipality involved, and PRDP 10 staff.# (Cyrus Seraspe/ InfoACE10)