The initiative, called the Value Chain Innovation for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities (VISTA), aims to alleviate poverty through value chain innovation and sustainable natural resource management.
IFAD’s financing will cover about 75 percent of the P6.23 billion project cost.
“VISTA is a holistic and targeted poverty-fighting and sustainable development solution that takes into account the complex realities faced by our 86 agrarian reform communities,” Recto said during the ceremonial exchange of the financing agreement on Sept. 6, 2024.
The exchange took place between Recto and IFAD Country Director Umit Mansiz.
The VISTA project is designed to reduce rural poverty, strengthen livelihoods, and increase the resilience of vulnerable upland communities by enhancing the inclusiveness of value chains and promoting the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. It includes three key components: ecosystem planning, protection,
This initiative will benefit 52 agrarian reform communities in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and 34 in SOCCSKSARGEN.
According to Recto, farmers will gain from sustainable farming practices, improved post-harvest facilities, and enhanced farm-to-market roads to ensure efficient market access.
“We will also cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs who will drive innovation in coffee and cacao production, processing, and marketing, all while preserving the cultural integrity of the communities and protecting the natural ecosystems,” Recto added.
He expressed confidence in the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and local government units (LGUs) to successfully implement the project.
IFAD Vice President Gerardine Mukeshimana highlighted the project’s long-term impact, stating, "Over the next six years, VISTA will enhance rural resilience against environmental and economic challenges for approximately 350,000 people in the uplands of Region Cordillera and Region XII."
She further noted that the project aligns with the Philippine Development Plan, which prioritizes modernizing agriculture, accelerating climate action, strengthening disaster resilience, and reducing vulnerabilities.
United Nations (UN) Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo González also underscored the significance of this initiative, noting that it will reach hard-to-access areas where such support is most needed.
The VISTA financing agreement was signed by Recto and IFAD President Alvaro Lario on July 10, 2024, and became effective the same day.
