Aklan infra projects get funding from PRDP-World Bank

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Aklan projects for the rehabilitation of Banga-Libacao road and bridges will get funding under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) to the tune of P99.72 million.

The projects are part of the P481.1-million funding for Western Visayas which includes rehabilitation and improvement of six farm-to-market roads in Negros Occidental and Iloilo. 

Through PRDP, the 12.74 kilometer bridges and roads in the municipalities of Libacao and Banga, Aklan will be constructed and rehabilitated. These infrastructures were destroyed by typhoons Yolanda and Frank in 2013 and 2008.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will also oversee the implementation of rural infrastructures in Zarraga, Leon and Tigbauan in Iloilo and Pontevedra, Silay City and Sagay City in Negros Occidental. 

PRDP, a six-year program designed to establish the government platform for a modern, climate-smart and market-oriented agri-fishery sector in the countryside, is jointly funded by the World Bank, local government units and the national government. 

It is a P27-billion World Bank-funded project implemented by DA with counterpart funding from the national government and local government units.

Infrastructure projects are submitted by LGUs and are evaluated by PRDP through site validation and technical review of proposed works.

PRDP also partner with the private sector in providing key infrastructure, facilities, technology, and information that will raise incomes, productivity, and competitiveness in the countryside.