DA readies projects under Pandemic Fund grant
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is gearing up to implement a $24.9-million, or about P1.46 billion, grant from the World Bank (WB) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to combat animal and human health threats.
The DA created a project preparation team to prepare the documentary requirements to implement Resilient Philippines, one of the projects that form part of the WB’s and FAO’s Pandemic Fund Grant worth $547 million.
The grant to the Philippines is intended for strengthening disease surveillance and upgrading laboratories, among others.
The Philippines was one of the 50 countries selected in the second funding round conducted by the WB and FAO to beef up pandemic prevention, preparedness and response of many recipients worldwide.
Project proposal
Based on Special Order No. 71, the DA’s preparation team, led by Agriculture Undersecretary Jerome Oliveros, will prepare and coordinate with concerned DA offices regarding the project proposal for funding under the Pandemic Fund.
It will compile all technical inputs, relevant information and necessary data for crafting the proposal and submit it to the agriculture secretary for approval.
The secretariat will assist in the initial drafting and subsequent improvement of the proposal as well as facilitate meetings, consultations, site visits/missions and other related activities.
Aside from coordinating with the preparation team and other agencies for the project, it is also tasked with monitoring the timeline of activities from preparation until the finalization and approval of the proposal.
The DA said last November that the grant would help the country invest in early warning systems, laboratory infrastructure and the development of a skilled health workforce.
“This grant will not only enhance our pandemic preparedness but will also strengthen the nation’s agricultural sector, which is vulnerable during outbreaks,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Constante Palabrica said.
The G20 launched the Pandemic Fund in 2022 as a direct response to the global vulnerabilities caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It finances vital investments to beef up the pandemic preparedness and resilience of most at-risk countries.
