While the pandemic continues, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project remains on track through constant updating of projects’ progress virtually and physically. Kudos to the boundless power of technology.

Attended by the Caraga RPCOs, Provincial Project Management Implementing Unit (PPMIU), City Project Management Implementing Unit (CPMIU), and the Municipal Project Management Implementing Unit (MPMIU), a 3-day blended coordination meeting from May 10-12 enabled PRDP to keep the RPCOs and PPMIUs posted on its targets.

The meeting carried out deadlines and updates starting from the local government units (LGU) of Agusan del Norte, Province of Dinagat Islands, and Butuan City on the 1st day. This was followed by Surigao del Sur and Norte, and Cortes on May 12. Lastly, was Agusan del Sur, Rosario, and San Luis on day 3.

Utilizing the virtual platform in order to allow many participants to join the meeting. (Photo by RPCO CARAGA)

Every LGUs was followed up on the lacking documents particularly on Infrastructure and Enterprise components of PRDP. These documents are essential in the upcoming Joint Technical Review, prioritization run, and virtual 12th World Bank Implementation Support Mission to PRDP.

“This coordination meeting is one way of preparing ourselves for the World Bank support mission on May 24. For sure they will be gauging us on our implementation, particularly on the disbursement and quality of our projects. We should be prepared,” Rene Q. Morales, I-BUILD component head emphasized.

The PPMIUs were reminded to look back on the status of their proposed subprojects to be included on the next prioritization run where LGUs proposals are reviewed and agreed upon. PRDP components pointed out that the PPMIUs have to submit lacking documents to secure a slot during the run.

Blended coordination meeting has been a great platform to tackle issues, concerns, needs, and agreements on the timelines and compliance of documents to beat projects despite the restriction of the pandemic.