SINCE 2014, the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) has launched 164 enterprise development sub-projects across Mindanao, with a total funding of P1.2 billion under its Investment in Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP) component.
Lycah Baylon, I-REAP head for PRDP Project Support Office Mindanao, shared in an interview on Radyo Pilipinas’ Usapang Agrikultura that the initiatives aim to boost Mindanao's rural economy by improving agricultural and fisheries productivity in regions like Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Region.
These projects focus on enhancing value chains, offering capacity-building training for market access, and equipping local farmers and fisherfolk with essential business skills. Cooperatives and associations of farmers and fisherfolk, identified with local government units (LGUs), primarily carry out these initiatives.
Currently, the PRDP Mindanao office is hosting business conferences to identify beneficiaries for its enterprise development sub-projects.
Baylon said that these conferences introduce PRDP’s programs to potential proponents, providing details on eligibility and the process for accessing the projects. She highlighted the importance of collaborating with LGUs, who are more familiar with local groups in need of assistance, to ensure effective implementation and monitoring.
A key milestone to date is the approval of the P242 million Tuna Consolidation and Cold Chain Facility in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. DEF
