Tubod, Lanao del Norte – Last August 25, 2011 the provincial government of Lanao del Norte through its Provincial Population Office, launched the special project of World Food Programme (WFP), at the Macapagal Training Center, Capitol Site, Tubod, this province.

Dubbed as “Gender and Livelihood Project”, it aims to empower women as the central actors in sustainable rural development for improved management of food and livelihood. WFP will be giving trainings to women’s organizations on the cultivation of vegetable gardens, creation of garbage bins and solar dryers as income-generating activities.

The launching event was participated by Parent and Teachers’ Associations from different elementary schools, women’s groups, local government units, and representatives from rural health units from the different municipalities of Lanao del Norte.

“Livelihood projects like this is always a welcomed development because it helps empower our women sector and allow them to provide additional income for their family”, Provincial Population Officer Annanette Daniel said.

The World Food Programme under its Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) has identified several conflict-affected communities in the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

Initially, five women’s groups will be the beneficiaries of the project with each group composed of 20-30 members.

“In behalf of Word Food Programme, I am delighted with the support of the local government units, to DepEd, DSWD, DENR, DA, IPHO, DOST, TESDA, DTI, DOLE and the provincial government of Lanao del Norte. Through this project, we hope to deliver some solutions to the problems faced by these communities”, WFP-Iligan Head Baicon Macaraya expressed.

The project will start September of this year and is scheduled to last for nine months. LAR/PIO-LDN