The Provincial Government of Quirino (PGQ), in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), implemented two phases of an ODA-funded program: the Quirino Integrated Agricultural Development Project (QIADP) and the Quirino Integrated Rural Development Project (QIRDP). These initiatives aimed to address rural poverty, limited availability of calves for livestock production, low farm productivity, limited market access of farmers, and weak value chain capacity. Phase 1, QIADP, focused on poverty reduction by increasing farm incomes through crop diversification, establishing a feed mill facility, and extending microfinance to farmers.
QIRDP (2018–2023), the 2nd phase is composed of:
(1) Agroforestry development through diversifying farmers’ income by establishing integrated model farms, distribution of fruit & forest trees seedlings and vegetable cultivation; (2) Livestock production through the establishment of a Cattle Breeding Center to improve livestock productivity and genetic quality as well as increasing farmers’ source of income through cattle dispersal program; and (3) Value chain development through the establishment of Q-LiFE Processing Center to strengthen post-harvest processing and market integration and further improved farmers’ access to markets, reducing dependency on middlemen and increasing profitability.
Overall, QIRDP improves productivity, increases incomes, and promotes sustainability, reducing poverty and boosting Quirino’s rural economy.