DAVAO CITY, Philippines - More than 30,000 farmers from different agrarian reform communities in Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will receive developmental projects from the P2.5 billion loan awarded by the Italian government.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said the loan would be maximized not only by constructing rural infrastructures but also through enterprise development and capacity building in agrarian reform communities.

“After providing land distribution to the farmers, it is the program of the government to return to the area to provide support services,” de los Reyes said.

De los Reyes added that one of the central points of the program is product development so that the crops and the produce of the farmers will be easily marketed.

The rural infrastructures that were identified for the project include roads, irrigations, bridges and post-harvest facilities, de los Reyes said

The loan covers the towns of Datu Piang, Sultan Mastura, Datu Montawal, SK Pendatun and North Upi in Maguindanao and the towns of Balindong, Bubong, Kapatagan, Malabang and Wao in Lanao del Sur.

Also included are the towns of Esperanza, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lebak, Lambayong, Lutayan, Tacuring and President Quirino in Sultan Kudarat.
The towns of Alabel, Kiamba, Glan, Malpatan, Malungon and Maitum in Sarangani Province will also benefit from the aid.

However, de los Reyes said the project would also be extended to non-agrarian reform communities and to Indigenous Peoples communities in both regions.

ARMM Gov Mujiv Hataman said the Italian aid is a big help for the peasant communities in his region most especially with the recent breakthroughs in the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. - Rappler.com