BAUKO, Mountain Province 1 – The Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management (CHARM) program turned over a total of P1.8 million worth of livelihood assistance to some twenty farmers groups coming from the different barangays of the municipality during recent turnover ceremonies held at the municipal gymnasium.
Mayor Abraham B. Akilit, in his message, encouraged the responsible utilization and observance of accountable fund management of the assistance so that the members of the organization will reap the benefits of the livelihood aid in improving their lfe situations and build their resilience.
He called on the “og-ogbo” principle for every group so that projects and undertakings are done collectively, efficiently and successfully benefitting their families through increased economic activities.
Participants in the event were Engr. Beverly Pekas, the Provincial CHARMP Coordinator, Walter Dalang, Bauko municipal planning and development officer, Carolyn Wandalen, municipal agriculture officer and representatives of Community Financial Institution Roy Busay and Andrea Docadoc.
Recipient of the assistance were: Baang Small Scale Association, Labgan Native Animal Association,Otucan Norte Coffee Association, Otucan Norte Unas Association, Bila Coffee Growers Association, Bila Unas Growers Association, Bila Pottery, Lamagan Weavers Group, Guinzadan Sur Unas Growers Association, Tapapan Sugar Cane Producers Group, Mabaay Taffic Women Enforcers Association, Suyo Livelihood Interest Group, Sadsadan Camote Production Group, Mabaay Women’s Association, Sadsadan Livestock production Production Group, Pactil Mushroom Growers’ Association, Sadsadan Coffee Consolidators’ Group, Sadsadan Women’s Association, Sadsadan Heirloom Rice Consolidators Group.
The Second CHARM program was extended for another two years after the national government approved its proposed upscaling to increase the number of beneficiary communities through the additional funds that will be released by the funding agency for the implementation of more infrastructure, agro-forestry and livelihood projects in the countryside.
Under the new scale-up of the foreign-assisted project, Bagnen Oriente was identified to be the recipient of some P20 million worth of various projects upon consultations with the concerned stakeholders during the expansion period.
Akilit appealed to the beneficiaries to appropriately plan and properly implement the agreed projects so they can reap the fruits of the completed projects, especially in improving their lives.
By Arsenia Addon