MISEREOR, eV., (Catholic Central Agency for Development Aid, Germany) recently approved a grant  for the continuation of the Agta/Dumagat Comprehensive Development Project, currently being implemented by its Field Unit in Aurora.. The project is expanding to two adjacent sites in Nueva Ecija- Bgy. Labi, in Bongabon and Dupinga, in the town of Gabaldon.

All communities covered by the project are economically marginalized, dwelling in mountain sections considered as critical watersheds, and hence forest-based livelihood are limited by existing forest regulations. Building upon the lessons learned and gains previously made, the project aims to further strengthen the capabilities and capacities of partner communities in their efforts to protect and secure their resources and ultimately improve their living conditions

Among the priority measures to be undertaken by the project include exchange of information and awareness building, advocacy to speed up resolutions of pending tenurial and usufruct issues, livelihood development through farm production and cooperative or capital-building initiatives, fishpond and animal dispersal, and business development in the field of handicraft, food processing, and small-scale community-based tourism.

The project shall also support the establishment of potable water systems in  two sites and rehabilitation of existing ones. A total of 30 hectares of riceland, fruits and vegetable lots shall also be supported by pipe irrigation. To address the needs for reforestation and agroforestry, the project shall support the establishments of nurseries/seed banks in each site..

The project officially starts July 1 of the current year and ends June 30, 2011.