LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol is bent on completing some PHP92.1 million worth of agriculture projects to spur rice production in the region this year.
Emelia Bordado, DA-Bicol spokesperson, in an interview on Friday, said that under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), six farm-to-market road (FMR) projects are being implemented in five towns and one city in the region, now that restrictions have been eased under the general community quarantine as a measure to prevent spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Of the amount released before the health crisis started early this year, the town of Aroroy in Masbate got the biggest slice with PHP32.7 million; followed by Caramoran in Catanduanes with PHP22.8 million; Tabaco City in Albay, PHP17.3 million; San Vicente in Camarines Norte, PHP9.4 million; Pamplona with PHP5.1 million and Sipocot with PHP4.8 million, both in Camarines Sur.
Bordado said because of the threat of Covid-19, it "has been a great challenge for the PRDP to maintain and monitor sub-projects from different provinces”.
She added that activities and construction of all the ongoing projects were forced to stop due to the government-imposed community quarantine guidelines.
Bordado added that despite the health crisis and restricted movement, the PRDP for South Luzon was able to disburse a total of PHP106.88 million, of which 86 percent or PHP92 million was poured in for Bicol. (PNA)