Negros Gov: World Bank Visit Boosts Rural Growth

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the World Bank support mission is more than a procedural review, calling it “proof of the importance of collaboration, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to achieving lasting change in the countryside.”

Lacson made the statement as he welcomed the World Bank delegation led by Mio Takada, senior agriculture economist and task team leader, during the Wrap-Up Conference of the 19th World Bank Implementation Support Mission to the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) and the 4th Scale-Up Visayas Leg.

The event was held over the weekend at Roy’s Hotel in Bacolod City.

“As a trusted development partner of the Philippines and of many other nations across the globe, the World Bank plays a vital role in bridging financial, technical and institutional gaps,” Lacson said.

He added that by upgrading infrastructure and improving rural services, the PRDP boosts agricultural productivity and market access, leading to higher incomes for rural communities.

The PRDP, implemented by the Department of Agriculture, aims to establish a modern, climate-resilient and market-oriented agriculture and fishery sector through its components: I-PLAN, I-BUILD and I-REAP.

Lacson thanked the World Bank for its continued support of the country’s rural development programs.

He emphasized that development assistance can be effectively used to improve rural livelihoods and build the capacity of local governments.

Several PRDP projects in Negros Occidental—including farm-to-market roads, ports, bridges and poultry and swine enterprises—have significantly advanced local development over the years.

These projects are jointly funded by the World Bank, the national government and the provincial government.

During the meeting, participants discussed feedback from I-REAP and I-BUILD sub-project site visits, as well as the Visayas Cluster Project Presentation.