View source for 14 ARB organizations in NegOcc potential pilot recipients of World Bank-funded projects

*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=773436
*Wednesday, June 17, 2015
: (PNA), LAP/NLG/EPN

MANAPLA, Negros Occidental June 17 (PNA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has identified 14 agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in Negros Occidental as potential pilot recipients of the World Bank-funded Inclusive Partnership for Agricultural Competitiveness (IPAC) project.

The ARBOs are from seven barangays of Manapla town and Cadiz City in northern Negros.

Representatives of the ARBOs gathered Tuesday in a multi-sectoral consultation workshop held at Northland Resort Hotel in this municipality.

During the consultation-workshop, the ARBOs presented their project proposals which will be reviewed by DAR for World Bank funding in a form of either loan, grant, or soft projects like farm-to-market road.

Teresita Mabunay, OIC provincial agrarian reform program officer II, said the IPAC project, targeted to be implemented next year, is aimed at helping farmers alleviate their standard of living, reduce poverty incidence, and develop the agri-business industry in the province.

Mabunay said the project is awarded to organizations already capable of propagating their respective cooperatives. It will also enable them to continue existing farm programs through support services and access to loan.

Milagros Flores, OIC provincial agrarian reform office I, said that DAR is now in the process of validating the profile of the proposed development project called “North Negros Sugarcane Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) Cluster,” which is a requirement for IPAC.

“Organizations should also be strong and with readiness to handle enterprise projects since we are pushing for agri-business development,” she said.

Flores added that the said ARC cluster composed of seven barangays are already qualified, but still subject for the provincial and regional development endorsement and approval of the National Economic Development Authority.