The World Bank will finance in 2008 an irrigation program in support of the beneficiaries of the government's Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, Grace Fua, provincial agrarian reform officer, disclosed.

However, Fua, who spoke during the 18th year celebration of CARP implementation, declined to reveal the amount involved in the WB-supported project.

The World Bank-assisted project, she said, dubbed, "National Program Support Agrarian Reform", will be implemented in Bayawan City and the towns of Basay and Sta. Catalina, Oriental Negros. She said the three local government units were chosen because of their vast tracts of land that have the potential for high agricultural yield.

The new Department of Agrarian Reform provincial head, who assumed office last May 16 replacing Stephen Leonidas, said foreign-assisted projects like irrigation have helped farmers a lot.

Fua said she had observed that the 18 years after the CARP implementation, no visible changes have been noted in the beneficiaries' lives.

She said DAR wants to help the farmer-beneficiaries until the lands awarded them begins to become productive.

Also highlighting the CARP anniversary celebration themed, "Agrarian Reform Beyond 2008", are the agricultural exhibits by agrarian reform beneficiaries from Guihulngan, Valencia, Manjuyod, and line agencies like the Fiber Industry Development Authority and the Technical Education, Skills and Development Authority.*

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