ADB to finance 2nd wing of agrarian reform project

MANILA, Philippines - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide funding for the second phase of the P8.6-billion Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP 2), which will be launched on May 7 in Davao City.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser C. Pangandaman and ADB director Urooj S. Malik will lead the event that will include the presentation of the project’s six-year implementation plant to the program’s stakeholders and beneficiaries.

“The ADB’s support bodes well with the ongoing clamors of the farmers for continuous provision of support services in farming communities, especially in areas with highest incidence of poverty. On behalf of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), I thank ADB for their trust and commitment to help our country. I must say that the launching of the ARCP2 is propitious,” Pangandaman said.

Along with agrarian reform advocates, the DAR is currently pushing for the Congress’ approval of the bill extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Aside from ADB, the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) will also co-finance the project, which will cover the provision of infrastructure facilities, credit, and livelihood programs in 152 agrarian reform communities (ARCs), located in Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Negros Occidental, Easter Samar, Western Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-tawi, Sulu and Shariff Kabunsuan. The first phase of ARCP has developed 165 ARCs in 35 provinces.

The DAR and ADB will seal the partnership with the signing of the “statement of commitments”. Likewise, the DAR will forge a memorandum of understanding with partner non-government agencies as well as partner agencies to ensure the efficient implementation of the project.

ARCs are clusters of barangays with farmer-beneficiaries awarded by DAR with agricultural lands and with convergence of development initiatives from government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations and foreign donor communities.