DA-9 distributes P1-M worth of MRDP-CFAD projects to POs

by Gideon C. Corgue

MIDSALIP, Zamboanga del Sur – - At least six (6) people’s organizations (POs) recently received a total of P1-M worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA), regional office thru the Mindanao Rural Development Program–Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD) during the 48^th Founding Anniversary of Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur held at a gymnasium.

Department of Agriculture (DA-9) regional director Eduardo Holoyoyoy, who was assisted by governor Antonio H. Cerilles and Midsalip mayor Leonida Ancap distributed the checks to the following PO’s: Tuluan Women’s Association for the Rice and Corn Production project worth P150,000; Dakayakan Women’s Association (pre-post harvest facilities)  P150,000, Guma-Poblacion B Irrigators Association (rice production) P150,000, Kahayagan Women’s Association (Corn Production) 150,000 , New Katipunan Women’s Association (Rice and Corn Production) 150,000, and Pisompongan Farmers Association (Rice Mill) 250,000.

The release of MRDP-CFAD livelihood projects was the third in a row. The first was in 2008 and second in 2010.

The MRDP is a medium-term poverty-alleviation initiative implemented under the Department of Agriculture which is funded by the World Bank and the national government as well as the Local Government Unit providing an equity share, while, CFAD is one of the components of MRDP which provides livelihood opportunities to its beneficiaries.

Holoyohoy said the World Bank (WB), funding institution of the MRDP was elated of the accomplishments done in Mindanao.

“The WB was happy of the accomplishments made by the local government of Midsalip in the successful implementation of the MRDP-CFAD projects which aimed at improving the living conditions of the marginalized sectors of our community especially the farmers, women and fisherfolks,” Holoyohoy was quoted as saying.

Following the successful implementation of the MRD-CFAD projects in Mindnao, Holoyohoy said the government has planned to expand the program in the Luzon and Visayas regions.

“The program will no longer be called MRDP when it will be implemented in Luzon and Visayas and it will be soon called Philippine Rural Development Program or PRDP,” Holoyohoy announced.

With these projects, Holoyohoy said the POs should exert more efforts and hard work to attain progress.  (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)