APAYAO, Philippines — Key farm development projects in Apayao are moving forward after provincial officials approved and endorsed proposed subprojects under the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) Value Chain Innovation for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities (VISTA) Project.

During the Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting on April 15, the proposed subprojects for 2025 were reviewed, validated, and endorsed, clearing them for submission to higher approving bodies.

The review ensured that the projects are aligned with provincial priorities and national development goals.

Atty. Penelope B. De Ausen, VISTA provincial project director, said strong coordination among agencies and communities is crucial to ensure effective and inclusive rural development.

The PCC action followed the earlier endorsement of the same proposals by the Expanded Agrarian Reform Community Cluster Coordinating Committee (EARCC-CC) during its meeting on April 13 in Conner, Apayao. Local government units, farmer groups, and partner agencies took part in the discussions, focusing on improving project design and addressing implementation concerns.

Meanwhile, a new EARCC-CC was formally organized in Luna, Apayao on April 16 to strengthen coordination at the grassroots level.

The body will serve as a platform for planning and decision-making in implementing future projects.

The activity concluded with stakeholders signing a pledge of commitment, signaling unified support for the VISTA Project.//DARRO-CAR