New WFP Phil Dir lauds PGCot for implementing projects

Amas, Kidapawan City – Newly appointed Philippine Director for World Food Program Praveen Agrawal expressed his appreciation to the Provincial Government of Cotabato for successfully implementing their projects on Thursday, July 18, 2013.

WFP Philippines Director Praveen Agrawal (wearing vest) with Pikit Mayor Muhyryn Sultan-Casi
and some personnel from WFP in Brgy. Katilacan, Pikit on July 18, 2013.

Agrawal came in North Cotabato to visit two of their project sites in Pikit and Kabacan, purposely to monitor and assess its progress.

Barangay Pedtad in Kabacan was allotted 1,906 bags of rice for its 530 beneficiaries. These were distributed to those who worked for the expansion of 1.5 hectares of Inland Fishpond under Food for Work (FFW) program.

The participants on the four-day gender sensitivity training facilitated by Population Division Office (POPDiv) also received bags of rice under Food for Training (FFT) program.

Agrawal witnessed the on-going rice distribution in Pedtad on his arrival. He then expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Government of Cotabato for helping WFP in ensuring sustainable livelihood programs for the Cotabateños.

“We will plant the seeds but you will grow and nurture the fish and create livelihood out of it,” he said in his dignified statement.

After Pedtad, Agrawal proceeded to the 30 hectare fish pen in Barangay Katilacan, Pikit.

Michael Argonza, WFP National Program Officer, said that out of the 30 hectare fish pen, only 6 hectares were actually absorbed by WFP. The additional 24 hectares according to Argonza were replicated by the community and upsurge the project. A total of 2,396 bags of rice were allocated for this project.

“It was a real success story that needs to be heard around the world,” Agrawal in his astonishing message at Katilacan. He also described the project as fantastic.

3^rd District Board Member Joemar Cerebo, who represented Cotabato Governor Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza, said that one of the visions of the provincial government is to ensure food security programs.
“With this in mind, we are extending our many thanks to WFP, rest assured we will continue our partnership for the benefit of the Cotabateños,” he added.

Katilacan Barangay Chairman Adam Malim said they are very grateful that of many villages in North Cotabato, their barangay has been chosen to be one of the benefactors of the project.

“In our barangay, we call this dividend of peace,” in his message.

In his final message, Agrawal said “we are extremely happy with the relationship established by the Provincial Government of Cotabato and WFP, we see this province as a strategic ally to show the world that these projects are real.”

Mayor Muhyryn Sultan-Casi of Pikit was also present during Agrawal’s visit.