The recent issuances of the No Objection Letter 2 to two subprojects in Isabela and one from Quirino gave the Luzon A Cluster a huge jumpstart on the implementation of its pilot subprojects. Pre-construction conferences were held in these provinces, gathering Provincial Project Management Implementing Units (PPMIUs), Regional Project Coordination Office 2 (RPCO2), Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units and subproject contractors.

Aiming to address and clarify all concerns regarding the project implementation, presenters from the Project Support Office (PSO) Luzon A took the opportunity to properly distribute responsibilities throughout municipal and barangay officials and to formally present all requirements to the implementing contractors. Present in the conferences to clear out all inquiries are the RRC Construction and A. De Guia Construction in Isabela and the New Kanlaon Construction during the Quirino conference.

The P40 million subproject dubbed as the Rehabilitation of Magassi-Union-CamasiFarm-to-Market Road (FMR) and the P60 million Construction of Olango – Siempre Viva – Trinidad – Manano, Mallig, both in Isabela received the NOL2 from the National Project Coordination Office last April 20,2015, along with Quirino’s pilot subproject, the Rehabilitation of NRJ-Gamis-Banuar-Dumabel- Cabugao-Eden Burgos-PRJ Burgos- Gomez-Calaocan Road amounting to P155 million.

The barangay and municipal officials were given vital roles during the project implementation. “We need your cooperation in the barangay so that our local labor can have additional income. It is important not only for the officials to be aware and involved but for the local residents as well,” said PSO Luzon A Deputy Project Director Elma Mananes, who also discussed the schedule of the release of funds.

IBUILD Water Specialist Engr. Ramil Corsino introduced the organization to be created at the barangay level. The Barangay Implementing Team (BIT) is a committee aimed to plan, implement, operate and maintain all interventions provided by the Project.  The BIT covers the entire activities of PRDP at the Barangay level including operation and maintenance of completed infrastructure sub-projects and other non infrastructure projects.

The said team shall be organized immediately after the launching of the Project and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the LGU and the Department of Agriculture.

Other institutional organizations at the barangay level shall also be established, by which barangay residents can participate as well regardless of their involvement in the BIT. The BIT Infrastructure Committee will be tasked to identify rural infrastructure interventions as well as lot owners by the proposed IBUILD sub-projects. Other functions of the committee ïnclude the participation in the inventory of facilities, assisting survey personnel and keeping records of all activities conducted, among others.

The Grievance Committee is another sub-committee that is tasked to settle complaints or disputes presented by any person in the Barangay in relation to the planning, implementation, operation and maintenance of rural infrastructure subprojects.

“The concept of the Project is to empower the community members to participate actively in planning and implementation of all Project interventions and enhance their decision making ability,” said Corsino.

Furthermore, DPD Mananes pointed out that the World Bank, the Project’s major funder, is particularly concerned with local employment and awareness. As support to WB’s request, she encouraged the LGUs to increase the involvement of women in project implementation. She also voiced out the cluster’s goal to achieve a faster disbursement of funds through the above-mentioned subprojects. (Kayla Arceo, InfoACE-PSO Luzon A)

Gathering during the Isabela pre-construction conference are key personnel from the PSO Luzon A, PPMIU, RPCO2, representatives from the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) together with the provincial, municipal and barangay officials and project contractors last May 19, 2015. (Photo by Darrell Sunga)