QUEZON CITY -- “If there is a model project format for special projects, new ones, and even for regular programs and projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA), it is the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP),” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said.

During the opening of the 14th World Bank Implementation Support Mission to the DA-PRDP on May 23, 2022, Secretary Dar expressed that he is personally gratified and encouraged by what PRDP has accomplished.

He added that the Second Additional Financing and E.U. co-financing grant for PRDP is evidence of the successful and productive missions conducted despite the pandemic, and a “testament to shared commitment to enable Filipino rural communities and expand opportunities in the Philippine countryside.”

“Remember, this mission is not merely an audit, but a privilege. We have been allowed the opportunity to bring new hope to every farmer and fisher family across this country,” the agri chief said.

With the upcoming change in administration, Secretary Dar encouraged everyone attending the event to ensure that the next leadership will have all the tools it needs to continue the work that was started under his watch.

He also urged the PRDP to continue working harder to attain the project’s goals amid emerging challenges including the looming food crisis.

DA Undersecretary for Operations and PRDP National Project Director Ariel Cayanan reported that PRDP has rolled out 1,174 projects in 79 provinces, targeting 969,800 household beneficiaries nationwide.

Under the PRDP planning component, 137 value chain analyses covering 78 commodities and product forms have been approved. For the rural infrastructure development component, the project facilitated the construction of more than 1,490 kilometers of roads, more than 1,100 meters of bridges and 104 units of pre- and post-harvest facilities. It also provided potable water systems for at least 9,300 household beneficiaries and improved irrigation and drainage services to at least 2,800 hectares of agricultural land.

Through the enterprise development component, on the other hand, more than 534 enterprise subprojects were completed, benefitting at least 704 proponent groups or 109,318 household beneficiaries.

Secretary Dar thanked the men and women of the PRDP for their hard work and dedication over the past years. He also committed to continue supporting the project even after his term ends.

In addition, the agri chief highlighted the DA’s National Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (NAFMIP) that will be gifted to the next administration. He said this long-term strategic plan will help further strengthen development policies and strategies and ensure more precise and efficient public investments in countryside development.

“We are ready to transfer the baton of leadership by the end of June this year. The transition will be a huge undertaking, but I believe that agriculture and rural development will now be given the attention and focus as top priorities for the incoming government,” Secretary Dar said. (GCBejarin, DA-AFID)