7-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
CANDABA, PAMPANGA


2004 – 2011

I. CANDABA PROFILE

Candaba has 33 barangays with a total population that now exceeds 100,000. It has a total land area of 32,000 and 18,711 hectares of which are very fertile agricultural land with 5,433 farmers.

Aside from rice, the other significant agricultural products are green corn involving some 332 hectares and 194 farmers and melon covering some 226 hectares with 105 farmers. About 60 hectares are used for commercial growing of various lowland vegetables. Candaba remains the top rice producer in Pampanga.

Candaba has 462 fishpond operators utilizing some 3,425 hectares of wetland. The rivers and their tributaries are inhabited by various species of fish that provide sources of income for marginal fishermen and trappers.

Tilapia is the main produce of the fishponds contributing significantly to making Pampanga the top tilapia producer of the country.

Laying duck population is already around 800,000 making Candaba the top producer of duck eggs in Pampanga.

A fledgling ornamental fish industry exists in Candaba offering good prospects for the highly lucrative Koi breeding industry.

The Candaba Swamp, an Important Bird Area with assigned code IBA PH007, is home to more than 90 species of wildbirds half of which are migratory that arrive in big flocks yearly. It is fast becoming a favorite bird-watching site for local and foreign tourists.

II. VISION OF DEVELOPMENT

With a prevailing peace and order situation and the full cooperation of the people, especially the farmers and the local entrepreneurs, the full development of Candaba’s potential as top food producer can be realized.

As general rule, Candaba’s distinct features require it to pursue development that always seeks a balance between the needs of the people and those of the environment in order to address both domestic and national concerns.

III INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Infrastructure projects shall be planned and implemented for three main objectives: (1) bringing government closer to the people; (2) support for agriculture and food production and (3)linking the barangays for unity and progress.

 

IV. PEOPLE SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT

While the emphasis is on making Candaba a top producer of food, support services and assistance for the people shall not be ignored for they are the most important component of development.

 

V. SPECIAL CONCERNS AND PROJECTS

The special concerns are about the need for new and innovative programs and projects that shall address the demands brought about by the unique characteristics of Candaba as a potential agricultural growth center and alternative water source for Central Luzon and Metro Manila. Add to that, Candaba is emerging as a leading swamp and wildlife conservation area.

Senator Edgardo Angara's Remarks