DA seeks P6.4-billion World Bank funding for Mindanao project

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is hoping to secure continued funding of up to P6.4 billion from the World Bank for the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP).

This was disclosed over the weekend by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala following a recent joint review by the Department of Agriculture and the World Bank of the MRDP.

Alcala admitted that the country has been unable to utilize almost P4 billion in World Bank funds already allotted for the MRDP.P

However, the WB has noted some progress in the implementation of MRDP-funded projects, Alcala said, and has expressed willingness to continue financial assistance so long as the Philippines is able to improve its utilization of WB funds.

“They are very positive about our performance and have noted changes we have made-in the field and in our policies,” Alcala said.

The WB, Alcala said, had assured him that it is willing to provide continued funding for the MRDP if the DA is able to improve its execution of projects.

The MRDP is a long-term poverty-alleviation program of the DA particularly for Mindanao.

The program covers all 26 provinces and 225 towns of Mindanao.