Cebu, Bohol Seek P300M Infra Projects Under WB-Backed Program

The provinces of Cebu and Bohol in Central Visayas have proposed some PHP300.5 million worth of infrastructure and enterprise projects under the World Bank (WB)-supported Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

Of the total amount, Cebu proposed close to PHP142 million worth of farm-to-market road projects.

Bohol proposed P140.7 million to rehabilitate similar roads.

Gerry Avila, Department of Agriculture (DA) agribusiness chief, said the roads in Cebu that will benefit from the project include Anonang Sur in Bogo City to Lambusan in San Remigio, which will cost P57 million; Dap-Dap to Batad in San Remigio, P56 million; and Kinawahan to Canaganahan, San Remigio, P28 million.

In addition, Cebu has proposed P1 million worth of livelihood project in cassava production in Camotes Island.

Bohol proposed P17 million worth of enterprise projects, which included a P12-million dairy processing business and five other livelihood projects at P1 million each.

Avila said the proposed projects in Bohol, which were already reviewed by the National Program Coordination Office, are set for approval before the end of the year.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said the Cebu-based projects were approved at the regional level through the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) last April.

Avila said the provinces of Siquijor and Negros Oriental have not submitted their proposals yet.

But the DA 7 is assisting them in the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) and the formulation of a Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP), key requirements in the making of a proposal.

Avila said Cebu and Bohol were exempted from submitting a VCA and PCIP for 2013 and 2014, having been affected by typhoon Yolanda and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in October 2013, allowing the two provinces to submit their projects earlier. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS