CHARMP 2 grants P10.6M livelihood funding to Benguet

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- One hundred forty groups in the province are recipients  of   P10.6 million  worth of  livelihood projects under the CHARMP 2 or the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resources Management Project .

Provincial Agriculturist Lolita Bentres said livelihood projects are under livelihood assistance fund of agriculture, agribusiness and income generating activities (AAIGA) of CHARMP 2.  

Bentres said funds released in two tranches will sustain rural development  in Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, and Sablan towns.

The AAIGA  aims to improve crop production, promote agribusiness, and improve non-farm rural small enterprises  to increase family income.

Among the business undertakings are  livestock and poultry production and marketing, relending services, organic crop production, crop processing, coffee marketing and production, retailing services.

Each group recipient received at least P50,000 to P180,000 depending on the nature of project.

Bentres said their office monitors implementation and extend technical assistance.

If all goes well, the provincial government may also earmark budget to match the CHARMP2 livelihood funding assistance, Bentres added. -- Susan Aro