MANILA, Philippines - The Italian government has given the Philippines over P2 billion in support for agricultural families in Mindanao, an official of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said.
Italian Assistance to the Agrarian Reform Community Development Support Program Project Manager Pabil Marohomsalic said the P2.5 billion fund will benefit more than 53,000 families of farmers in Southern Philippines.
Marohomsalic said that the program includes creation of 50 farmers' organizations, livelihood training,and the construction of various infrastructures which would benefit the communities in the areas.
DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said the Philippine-Italian poverty alleviation program is part of the efforts of the European Unio to promote peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front.
The DAR expects the pre-implementation and actual implementation stages of the program next year.