Three infrastructure support subprojects worth P534.5 million for Ifugao were endorsed for approval and funding under the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).
In a meeting held Feb. 18, members of the Cordillera Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) endorsed two farm-to-market road (FMR) subprojects in Aguinaldo and Kiangan.
These were proposed in support to the towns’ banana cardava industry to facilitate distribution of products and access to low-cost inputs.
The proposed level 2 water system in Lagawe was also endorsed, aiming to rehabilitate and construct additional pipelines for the town’s existing water network that will benefit the community.
Ifugao Gov. Jerry Dalipog, Aguinaldo Mayor Gaspar Chilagan, and Kiangan Mayor Raldis Andrei Bulayungan convinced the RPAB members of the feasibility and the socio-economic impact of their proposed subprojects.
The RPAB recommended for the LGUs to submit the lacking requirements to fast-track the review and approval by the Project Support Office and National Project Coordination Office.
LGUs were also advised to attach copies of ordinances, especially on environmental protection, to strengthen their proposals.
DA-Cordillera OIC Director and RPAB chair Cameron P. Odsey highlighted the importance of watersheds in the development of rural infrastructures.
“Let us reach out to our communities in pursuing rural development without sacrificing our natural treasures,” he said.
Ifugao has 18 approved infrastructure subprojects, of which nine are already complete and the nine are being implemented. – Elvy Taquio Estacio
May 1, 2024
