Governor Edgar Chatto led the Provincial Development Council (Full Council) meeting held recently at the JJ’s Seafoods Village, Tagbilaran City. Mr. Larry Pamugas, OIC-Provincial Agriculturist, presented the Bohol Integrated and Comprehensive Support Program for Agro-Industrial Development (BICS-PAID) to the council.
Such proposal seeks for P385 million funding from KOICA with counterpart funding of P4 million from the Provincial Government of Bohol. It aims to establish an inclusive and market-oriented agri-fishery sector through strategic investments in priority commodities. One of its expected outcomes is that the Bohol micro agri-food processors will be provided with the common service facilities that will serve as alternative source of income.
The program components of BICS-PAID are the establishment of common service facilities and display centers for food processors, high value commercial crops development program, enhanced farm mechanization project, upland aquaculture development project, enhanced rural-based livestock livelihood and enterprise, technology research, development and innovation project, enhancement of agri-fishery facilities, and support services.
It was moved by Cong. Relampagos, duly seconded, to pass a resolution favorably endorsing to the Regional Development Council of Region VII (RDC-7) the proposed Bohol Integrated and Comprehensive Support Program for Agro-Industrial Development (BICS-PAID) in the Province of Bohol for support and further endorsement to the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for approval and other national government agencies.
Other agenda discussed during the PDC Full Council meeting were the proposed modification of the project scope for the New Bohol Airport Construction – Sustainable Environmental Protection Project, inputs for the updating of the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan, and development sector situationer, issues and concerns.
Attendees to the council meeting were Cong. Rene Relampagos, representatives of Cong. Aristotle Aumentado and Cong. Arthur Yap, municipal mayors, heads of national government agencies, some provincial government heads of offices, civil society organization, and the business sector.