New dev’t project targets upland areas

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Upland communities in Mountain Province, Ilocos Sur and Benguet are being eyed for development under a project code-named MIB on Earth.

The Northern Luzon Growth Quadrangle Commission announced that the agency has forged an agreement with a Japanese consultancy firm for the preparation of a feasibility study for the project.

Called Mt. Province, Ilocos Sur, Benguet on Economic Access to Resources, Technology, and Health in Upland Areas Integrated Area Development Project (MIB on Earth), the program seeks to alleviate economic conditions in the target areas, according to Hermenegildo Dumlao, NLGQC executive director.

"MIB on Earth will respond to the needs of marginalized sectors in the beneficiary provinces through projects and mechanisms that will enhance the agro-forestry, agri-industrial, infrastructure, tourism and human resource development in the area," Dumlao said.

He said the integrated area development approach adopted by NLGQC is expected to foster inter-regional programs "that will produce complementary effects to the beneficiaries."

He added that such an approach would accelerate growth and distribute economic grains equitably in the upland areas in the three adjacent provinces.

The Japanese consultancy firm was identified as Pacific Consultants International headed by Junichiro Motayama. – Teddy P. Molina