Eastern Visayas farm dev’t projects up for evaluation

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan 01  --The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has tied up with the Visayas State University (VSU) to conduct impact evaluation studies of anti-poverty farm-related projects in the region carried out by previous administrations.

NEDA Regional Director Bonifacio Uy said the agency issued a notice to VSU to proceed with the impact evaluation studies last December 19.

The studies will cover the Agri-Pinoy Livestock Program in three Samar provinces by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and by the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Phase III (ARISP-III) in the entire region under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

The studies, which will evaluate both the DA and the DAR projects carried out during the previous administrations, will run for 10 month to a year.

“The objective is to assess the contribution of the programs in achieving poverty reduction and inclusive growth. It will also provide a reference for policymakers in the appraisal and approval of future similar development projects," he said in a mobile phone interview.

The livestock program was designed to increase livestock and poultry inventory in Samar Island by at least 5 percent from 2012 to 2016, and meat and egg production by at least 3 percent per year for the same period based on 2011 inventory and production.

Backed by the Japanese government, ARISP III, which kicked off in 2007, involved the provision of Rural Infrastructures such as: irrigation facilities, farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, and rural water supply systems.

The ARISP aims to increase average household income by at least 30 percent and improve productivity of agrarian reform communities nationwide by providing integrated package of support services. (SQM/PNA)