The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recently turned over Php 17.8 million rural development projects in Barangay Katipunan, Silago, Southern Leyte.
Agrarian Reform Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong said the projects include an irrigation system that can supply water to about 50 hectares of farmlands, post-harvest facilities consisting of a 72-sq.m. warehouse and a 360-sq.m. solar dryer, and a potable water system.
Bistoyong said three more projects, all farm-to-market roads, are currently being constructed, too, in this area.
She disclosed that all the projects including institutional development and agribusiness development are part of the Php74 million support package jointly funded by the DAR and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) now in its third phase, and the local government unit (LGU).
All these are intended for this area only, she added.
Regional Director Sheila Enciso said the town of Silago is so fortunate because Barangay Hingatunggan, another ARC area, was provided with the same package of support projects under ARISP-III.
Present during the occasion was Yoshiyuki Ueno of JICA, who commended DAR for taking the lead in this endeavor that seeks to spur growth in the countryside.
Ueno said DAR’s ARISP which started implementation in 1995 has become an effective tool towards agricultural development by constructing basic rural infrastructure to increase crop productivity and augment farmer’s income.
He likewise acknowledged the continuous effort and utmost support of partner agencies such as the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the LGUs.
Meanwhile, Mayor Pacita Almine expressed her appreciation to the DAR officials for always including their town in its list of recipients for programs and projects intended for the rural folks.
Diosdado Salazar, a farmer and a barangay official, said that the projects are of great help to them. With irrigation in their area now, they expect their harvest to increase. On the other hand, the potable water system would benefit 120 households, which used to hike three kilometers just to fetch drinking water from a spring in Barangay Imelda. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
Posted By: Lynne Pingoy
