The Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) in Calabarzon region has approved two new infrastructure projects in Laguna and Quezon provinces under the Scale-up program.

In an interview on Thursday, RPAB chairperson Fidel Libao said these projects –a farm-to-market road (FMR) in San Francisco, Quezon and a Level II potable water system in Majayjay, Laguna– are expected to further develop food production and help reduce poverty once completed.

“We are happy to support and approve these projects because their benefits are not only for the agriculture and fisheries sector, but also for the community,” said Libao, who is also the DA Regional Field Office-Calabarzon executive director.

Scale-up is a DA’s flagship program designed to address the gaps in the commodity value chains by improving the efficiency of the food supply chain towards greater connectivity, mobility, accessibility, availability, and affordability of food in the market.

The 10.58-kilometer FMR project which costs PHP249.857 million is expected to aid 7,686 locals from Barangays Sto. Niño and Huyon-Uyon in San Francisco.

It is seen to provide quick and convenient travel, cheaper transportation fees, as well as access to basic needs, services, and opportunities.

Meanwhile, the rehabilitation and improvement of the potable water system in Majayjay costs PHP90.18 million. It is projected to boost food production in eight villages: Bakia, Bitaoy, Botocan, Gagalot, Isabang, Piit, Rizal, and Taytay.

Likewise, it will prevent cases of diarrhea, gastritis, and boils caused by dirty water in the community.

These subprojects are set to begin this year but completion dates are still being determined.

“We hope that these subprojects will enable them to thrive in their livelihoods and bring impactful contributions to the development of the agriculture and fisheries sector and the country’s efforts to strengthen food security,” engineer Redelliza Gruezo, DA-PRDP’s project director, told the Philippine News Agency in a separate interview.

She said the subprojects will “truly address the farmers’ pressing needs both in agriculture and their state of living.”

Gruezo is encouraging the farmers and locals to take ownership of the subprojects and actively participate in monitoring and sustainability efforts.

She said her office will continuously provide support and assistance to the proponent local government units toward the timely completion of the subprojects. (PNA)