The Regional Project Advisory Board-CAR (RPAB-CAR) endorsed nine proposed infrastructure subprojects amounting to P198.92 million for funding under the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) on May 25, 2021 in Baguio City.

Chaired by DA-CAR OIC-Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey, the RPAB reviewed and unanimously endorsed the construction/improvement of seven Level II Potable Water System (PWS) in the provinces of Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet, and Ifugao.

This includes the construction of Anonang-Liwan West PWS Level II in Rizal, Kalinga; the construction of Lias PWS Level II in Barlig, Mountain Province; the construction of Aguinaldo PWS Level II in Ifugao; and the construction/improvement of the following Level II PWS in Kabayan, Benguet: Onoy-Gusaran PWS, Poblacion PWS, Duacan-Beleng-Balang PWS, and Paltingan-Biomodol-Ballay Elementary School PWS.

The RPAB also endorsed the construction of MLGU Warehouse and Trading Center in Rizal, Kalinga and the improvement of the 5.55-kilometer Cabatacan-San-Mariano-San Jose Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Pudtol, Apayao worth over P130 M. The latter was re-endorsed by the RPAB considering several deviations in the proposal including an 8.75 percent increase in subproject cost.

Aside from the presentations of the proponent LGUs, the Regional Project Coordination Office-CAR (RPCO-CAR) also presented their initial findings on the proposed subprojects as to PRDP guidelines. The proposed subprojects are feasible and there are no duplication/overlapping of projects based on the submitted geo photos. However, the proponent LGUs were advised to comply and submit the lacking Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) documents prior to the issuance of a No Objection Letter (NOL) from the PRDP.

Further, Ma. Trinivic Silang of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-CAR (DENR-CAR) emphasized that policies for the operations and for the protection of the water sources should be crafted.

Hilda Verzola of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-CAR (NCIP-CAR) also reminded the proponent LGUs to submit applications for the required certifications along with the necessary attachments for the NCIP to facilitate the process of issuance.

As to the proposed FMR subproject in Pudtol, Apayao which was re-endorsed, Verzola emphasized that subproject beneficiaries should be informed about the changes.

“The beneficiaries should be informed on the additional structures that will be constructed so that any complaints will be resolved early,” Verzola said.

Under the DA-PRDP, the World Bank (loan proceeds) will shell out 80 percent of the total cost of the proposed subprojects, 10 percent will be subsidized by the national government through the DA, and the remaining 10 percent will be paid by the proponent provincial/municipal LGUs as counterpart fund. ### Elvy Taquio Estacio (DA-PRDP)

Representatives from the Provincial and Municipal Project Management and Implementing Units (P/MPMIUs) of Kalinga, Barlig, Aguinaldo, Kabayan, and Apayao present their subproject proposals for during the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) meeting held on May 25, 2021 at the Da-CAR Conference Hall, Baguio City.

DA-CAR OIC-Regional Executive Director and PRDP Regional Project Director Cameron P. Odsey chaired the RPAB meeting endorsing nine infrastructure subproject proposals for funding under the DA-PRDP.

Dir. Cameron P. Odsey receives the subproject proposals from Kalinga Governor Ferdinand Tubban and Provincial Agriculturist and PPMIU Head Engr. Domingo Bakilan right after the RPAB’s endorsement during the meeting.