The Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) in Western Visayas is geared towards poverty reduction through the implementation of strategic agriculture and fisheries initiatives, according to Regional Program Coordinating Office (RPCO) 6 focal person, Dir. Joyce S. Wendam.

“I-REAP, as one of PRDP component aims to enhance agri infrastructures in the rural areas which prioritized farm-to-market roads, bridges, potable water system, irrigation and enterprise infrastructure support facilities,” added Dir. Wendam.

As a World Bank-assisted program, PRDP is designed to establish the government platform for a modern, climate-smart and market-oriented agri-fishery sector within six years.

As part of the preparations in Region 6, National Program Coordinating Office (NPCO) focal person on Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Ulysses Triambolo led the conduct of site assessments in three chosen coastal towns in Iloilo, March 5.

GEF Consultative meeting with Oton municipal mayor, Hon. Vicente B. Flores Jr.

Municipal mayors of Dumangas, Leganes and Oton were consulted about the available marine resources and fishery opportunities in their locality which can be developed under the program.

Triambolo urged the town executives to come up with sub-project proposals or business plans for the development of their respective marine resources and increase incomes of fisherfolk beneficiaries.