The proposed subproject Pilinio Taro Production, Drying, and Storage Facility, under the Scale-Up of the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in Bicol was recently reviewed as part of the requirements for endorsement and approval by the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB).

The said project will be located in Barangay Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur.

The review conducted by the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) I-REAP and I-PLAN Components in collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Unit, and the Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Unit.

The review activity was spearheaded by Ma. Edelyn Bongalos, I-REAP Business Development Officer, in coordination with representatives from the I-PLAN Component, Economist. The Project Support Office (PSO) South Luzon also provided technical support.

The primary objective of the enterprise is to produce high-quality dried taro leaves; enhance the income of taro farmers; generate employment for 20 personnel who will operate the post-harvest facility; expand the network of taro growers; and, in the succeeding years, reestablish the Bicol Region as the leading producer of taro in the country.

Henry Pandes, President of the Pilinio Federation of High Value Crops Growers, Inc., presented an overview of the subproject. According to him, the enterprise will be a significant support mechanism for farmer-members, enabling them to sustainably produce and supply fresh taro leaves.

The enterprise will market both fresh and dried taro leaves to targeted buyers and private agribusiness entities within the region. The Pilinio Federation currently has 323 farmer-members, with 72 engaged in the taro enterprise and organized into seven production clusters.

The total proposed budget for the enterprise is PHP 36.80 million. #

Pilinio Federation of High Value Crops Growers, Inc. headed by Henry Pandes presented the overview and objectives of the proposed I-REAP subproject Pilinio Taro Production, Drying, and Storage Facility during the RPCO review process