by Elvy T. Estacio, RPCO-CAR Writer

The Provincial Government of Ifugao can now proceed with the bidding of the Improvement of Pula-Cawayan-Camandag Farm-to-Market Road with Bridge in the municipality of Asipulo, Ifugao, after officially receiving the green light from the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-up.

Ifugao Governor Jerry U. Dalipog formally received the No Objection Letter 1 (NOL 1) certificate from DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in a ceremonial awarding held yesterday, May 8, 2024, at the Office of the Secretary in Quezon City.

Proposed in support to the local coffee industry, the subproject spans 6.02 kilometers with a 30-linear meter bridge. It has a project cost of PhP266.13 million and is expected to benefit more than 1,847 households comprising 8,755 individuals (4,655 male and 4,100 female) within its influence area.

Covering three barangays namely Pula, Cawayan, and Camandag, the subproject will link these communities, facilitating smoother and safer transportation for farmers and traders, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

Originally approved and commenced under the DA-PRDP Original Loan funding in 2017, the subproject encountered setbacks and was subsequently halted due to the contractor’s inability to fulfil the project requirements within the specified timeframe.

With the issuance of No Objection Letter (NOL) 1, preliminary activities are set to be conducted this month, including orientation sessions for the Provincial Government of Ifugao on World Bank Harmonized Procurement Guidelines and the drafting of the Implementation Management Agreement (IMA). The IMA comprises implementation arrangements and specific guidelines for PRDP-funded subprojects within a given period, including the schedule of fund releases and liquidation reports.

The Improvement of Pula-Cawayan-Camandag FMR with Bridge is the third infrastructure subproject that was approved for DA-PRDP Scale-up funding in the Cordillera.###