DA, World Bank conduct mission for agri-fishery sector scale up

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the World Bank (WB) officially kick-off the preparation and identification mission for the DA’s proposal to the World Bank’s Program-for-Results (PforR) financing on September 9, 2024, at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) Convention Hall.

DA was represented by its Undersecretaries Jerome Oliveros, Nora Oliveros, Christopher Morales, Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, and Assistant Secretaries Arnel De Mesa, Noel Padre, and Daniel Alfonso Atayde. It was also attended by World Bank officials, oversight agencies, and representatives from the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, and the National Economic and Development Authority.

“The task in transforming agriculture and fisheries sector to one that is modern and industrialize, instilling its impact that will be meaningful benefit to farmers and fishers warrants the acceleration of our activities,” Usec. Jerome Oliveros said.

The Department’s project proposal, titled “Philippines: Realizing Agri-Fishery Sectoral Production and Logistical Modernization Program,” aims to accelerate and scale-up agriculture and fisheries development through the World Bank’s PforR financing.

This four-year project proposal, amounting at US$1 billion project, is designed to boost agricultural sector growth and competitiveness as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan and the DA’s four-year plan. It also aims to strengthen food security and agri-food systems, and climate resilience, increase small farm incomes, expand rural growth, and create livelihood opportunities. This will commence starting 2025.

The PforR is a World Bank financing tool designed to help governments improve the efficiency of their expenditure programs and achieve sustainable results by strengthening institutions and building capacity. Its unique features include the use of a country’s own institutions and processes and linking fund disbursement directly to the achievement of specific program results.

The event marks a significant milestone for the agri-fishery sector and the entire country, as it is the first time the national government will utilize this type of platform from the World