Department of Agrarian Reform, Asian Development Bank renew ties

MANILA, Philippines - The Asian Development Bank renewed its partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to fund the implementation of a massive P8.6-billion Agrarian Reform Community Project phase 2 (ARCP2).

Launched in Davao City with local leaders in attendance, ARCP 2 aims to sustain and boost the support services delivery to agrarian reform beneficiaries in 18 provinces particularly in Mindanao.

The project takes off from the successful implementation of the so-called ARCP 1 in 165 agrarian reform communities (ARCs). ARCP 2 is wider in scope in terms of the package of assistance.

ARCP 2 is a package of support services that include roads, irrigation, water supply, land surveys, and rural enterprise development.

The project covers 152 ARCs, 30 of which are from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The said ARCs were selected from 18 provinces which were deemed to have the greatest need for assistance and highest potential for development.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman and ADB project administration head Ki Hee Ryu sealed the partnership and signed the statement of commitments during the launch.

“We especially thank the ADB as we go hand in hand in providing sustainable development among our farmer beneficiaries and their communities. Their trust and commitment inspire us to do even better this project,” Pangandaman said.

ARCP 2 hopes to reduce poverty in the poorest ARCs and nearby barangays by ensuring increased incomes of beneficiaries and improved quality of life in these communities.

“In our attempt to improve the lives of farmers, DAR helps us realize our vision to alleviate poverty through rural instructracture while boosting their agricultural production and productivity,” Ryu said.