Albay eco package eyed to improve island villages

by MS Arguelles
http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p080125.htm&no=43&r=&y=&mo=

Legazpi City (25 January) -- To improve the quality of life of residents in the island villages of Albay, the provincial government initially implemented various socio-economic projects worth close to P30 million.

Governor Joey Sarte Salceda said various social, economic, agricultural and livelihood projects are on the pipeline for implementation under the "CRABS" economic package aimed at brining economic and social benefits to the island villages in the 1st and 2nd districts of Albay that include the the islands of Cagraray, Rapu-Rapu, Batan, and San Miguel.

Salceda, in his 9th visit to the island town of Rapu-Rapu, Thursday last week, personally supervised the distribution of 69 units of bancas and fishnets to small fishermen.

"This is my commitment to bring a comprehensive aid package under "Tabang Albay" to people affected by the fish kills that brought hardship to our fishermen," Salceda said as he emphasized "I want the people of Rapu-Rapu to know that things would be better without the Lafayette Mining. They are in better hands in the province."

Straight from his Cabinet meeting commitment, Salceda went to Rapu-Rapu town and announced the implementation of various projects under CRABS involving in health, livelihood, agriculture, education and infrastructure.

Among the CRABS projects are: For health, the construction of 20 Barangay Health Stations (BHS) in the 34 villages in Rapu-Rapu town worth P6.6 million; P2.5 million for the repair of Rapu-Rapu District Hospital; P2.5 million for repairs of Vila Hermosa District Hospital; a new ambulance to service sick residents in going to hospitals in Manila and PhilHealth cards for indigent families.

For infrastructure development, lined-up projects involved the P4 million Batan-Lagundi road; P4 million Batan-Masaga road; and P4 million for other road projects in Rapu-Rapu town.

For Education: the construction of a Community College building in the island town of Rapu-Rapu worth P2.5 million; and P900 million worth of scholarship grants to poor but deserving students.

For Agriculture: enhancement of the Batan Agrarian Reform Community under ARISP 3 enhancement. (PIA Albay)