To carry out the mandate of the PRDP to ensure that subprojects to be implemented by the project are viable, environmentally and socially sound and sustainable, the Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) unit are mobilized to conduct a series of consultations and to be involved in the process of screening, preparation, review and approval of I-BUILD and I-REAP subprojects in the provinces.

The SES unit in CAR has been joining the other PRDP implementers to conduct Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) and cultural community (ICC) information campaigns province-wide to inform would-be beneficiaries of the SES framework highlighting that all proposed subprojects undergo environmental screening to conform to environmental guidelines as a requisite to project feasibility studies, according to Mr Danilo Agliam, SES Unit Head of DA-PRDP RPCO-CAR.

“In addition, SES shall be involving  project affected  communities, particularly the indigenous peoples(IP) and cultural communities, in the planning and design of subprojects that agrees  with the provisions of the IP policy framework.”, he added.

Accordingly, the SES operates according to the provisions of the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement Law, the Philippine Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), the Right of Way Acquisition Law and their implementing rules and regulations and the operational policies of the World Bank on Environmental Assessment, Natural Habitats, Pest Management, Indigenous Peoples and Involuntary Resettlement.

As such, said consultations are necessary to acquire the free prior information and consent of the IPs or ICCs affected by subprojects according to the provisions of the IPRA.

On the other hand, the environmental screening is regulated by the provisions of the Environmental Management Framework and Guidelines and the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS).

“SES activities are present in almost all stages in subproject preparations under PRDP – from SP identification, feasibility study preparation, detailed engineering and program of works preparation, review, procurement process and construction up to turnover of completed subprojects to the local government unit concerned.  We are there (in all stages of the project) to oversee that the mandate of the SES is properly implemented, and that the IP Policy Framework is properly observed,” said Ms. Rigi May Copatan, Project Development Assistant.

The IP policy framework ensures that the interests, needs and concerns of indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples are considered in the formulation of regional and provincial plans and in the design and implementation of specific subprojects near or within their communities and/or territories, in compliance with the IPRA (Republic Act 8371) and the World Bank’s Policy on Indigenous People. (Mabel Zabala, DA-PRDP RPCO-CAR InfoACE Unit)