BUTUAN CITY – The livelihood and development projects of Mindanao Rural Development Program–Adaptable Program Loan 2 (MRDP2) has uplifted the economic condition of the fisherfolks and farmers in the province of Surigao del Sur, particularly in Carrascal town, it was learned Wednesday.

At least 13 other MRDP 2 projects are also set to commence in the municipalities of Marihatag and San Agustin.

At present, the MRDP 2 through the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) has served and helped a lot the members of the Doyos Eastern Coast Fishermen Consumers Cooperative (DECFISCOCO) in Carrascal town.

Because of the MRDP2 grant, the cooperative was able to purchase seven pump boats and fishing paraphernalia and other fishing requirements needed for their hook and line fishing.

Working hand in hand with the Municipal Project Management and Implementation Unit (MPMIU), the cooperative has displayed outstanding performance and increased their income and employment. They also produced more fishing units.

The members of the cooperative are already seeing a bright future ahead of them. With an increasing fish catch of seven to 10 kilos per day, they are now able to bring home to their families more than enough for their consumption and a considerable income to support their respective basic needs.

MRDP-CFAD interventions have not only given hope to DECFISCOCO but also to other thriving organizations in nearby Carrascal town such as the Bagin Fishermen Coop with their bottom drift gill net project.

Meanwhile, farmer-recipients of the working animal subprojects were also grateful for having received the assistance which helped them in cultivating their farmlands and also increase their farm production.

According to Nenita Sotoniel of the Carrascal Tabon-Tabon Farmers, she is now able to save P900 per hectare out from what she spends for land preparation since she no longer rents a carabao to plow her farm before going into planting.

“The MRDP projects are big help to the fishermen and farmers and added income and employment in our province,” observed Surigao del Sur Gov. Vicente Pimentel.