World Bank Rates DA’s PRDP Scale-Up ‘Satisfactory,’ Notes Gains in Rural Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – The World Bank has rated the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-Up “satisfactory,” noting its strong early performance in improving rural infrastructure, strengthening enterprises, and advancing value-chain planning across the country.

The assessment, based on the Bank’s latest implementation review, highlighted “relevance, efficiency, and early gains” as the project expands market access, reduces transportation costs, and supports rural enterprises nationwide.

Billions in investments moving in Mindanao

In Mindanao, PRDP Scale-Up currently has 56 approved I-BUILD (infrastructure) subprojects worth ₱8.22 billion, alongside two I-REAP (enterprise) subprojects amounting to ₱327.2 million. All are in various stages of implementation.

These investments are expected to expand connectivity, improve mobility, and open more livelihood opportunities in rural communities long hampered by poor roads and limited access to markets.

The project’s I-PLAN component has also completed six Regional Agri-Fishery Investment Portfolios (RAFIP)—one per region in Mindanao—identifying eight priority commodities each to guide strategic, market-driven proposals starting next year.

Impact felt in communities

While the rating speaks to institutional performance, project beneficiaries say the impact on daily life is already becoming tangible.

In Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Santa Fe barangay chairman Elmer A. Colambog said the long-awaited road improvements are a welcome change.

“We are truly happy and grateful that our long-held dream of having our road concreted has finally been answered through the DA-PRDP Scale-Up,” he said.

In Talusan town, lifelong resident Elizabeth Garapa echoed the sentiment, saying the community had endured decades of hardship navigating muddy, unsafe roads.

“For a very long time, we endured the difficulties of our road. We are truly happy that it will finally be concreted,” she said.

Why this matters

The positive rating of World Bank signals growing confidence that the project’s support is reaching the most underserved communities—farmers who depend on safer roads, lower transport costs, and better access to buyers to keep their livelihoods afloat.

As PRDP Scale-Up advances, the “satisfactory” score underscores momentum in bringing better roads, stronger rural enterprises, and more resilient livelihoods within reach for thousands of families across Mindanao.

Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons

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