DAVAO CITY — The Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) has allocated about P20 million for the development of the marine industry in a town in the island province of Tawi-Tawi.
PRDP, in a statement last week, said the funds will help set up four post-harvest facilities in Tandubas, a key producer of seaweed and fish products as well as cassava and coconuts.
The facilities are three warehouses with solar driers that will benefit 881 households, and a fish landing that will help 258 members of the village.
Local government officials said they decided to submit a marine-related proposal to the PRDP rather than one involving farming as the seaweed industry is expected to have a more significant impact on the communities.
Tandubas Mayor Hija Rahiema A. Salih said the facilities will help seaweed producers reduce post-harvest losses and improve income.
“We must all be in step with the goals and aspirations we have set in order to contribute to local and national development, not only for ourselves, but also for generations to come,” said Ms. Salih.
Danilo T. Alesna, PRDP deputy project director for Mindanao, noted “the strong leadership of the municipal officials and support from the province of Tawi-tawi.”
Mr. Alesna said the PRDP’s implementing agency, the Department of Agriculture, is also “very much supportive.”
Based on the PRDP guidelines, proposals need to be backed by value chain analysis and a Provincial Commodity Investment Plan. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

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