by Elvy T. Estacio, RPCOCAR InfoACE

Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in the Cordillera with proposed enterprise development (I-REAP) subprojects for funding under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-Up were trained on procurement guidelines and financial management from December 17 to 18, 2024 in Baguio City. 

Among the participants included representatives from the following FCAs: Sagada Arabica Coffee Growers and Processors Organization, Inc. (SACGPO), Taloy Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (TAFARMCO), Conner Multipurpose Cooperative (COMPCO), and Kalanguya Cultural Community Multipurpose Cooperative (KCCMC). These organizations were earlier confirmed as eligible to propose enterprise subprojects for DA-PRDP funding.

The training was intended to equip designated members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and Technical Working Group (TWG) from the FCAs with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement DA-PRDP Scale-Up procurement guidelines effectively. 

According to Engr. Roiston Z. Carame, Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) CAR Procurement Officer, this training is essential for the FCAs to familiarize themselves with community participation, particularly regarding the requests for bids and simplified public bidding process.

“Based on our experience with the project, the use of community participation as a mode of procurement has proven more efficient compared to LGU/RPCO procurement. For the DA-PRDP Scale-Up, it will serve as the default procurement method for I-REAP subprojects,” Engr. Carame explained.

The training sessions covered a range of topics, including: general information and legal basis on the procurement of goods, works, non-consulting services and consulting services for I-REAP subprojects under the DA-PRDP Scale-Up; community participation method of procurement; and financial management practices aligned with the procurement process.

Participants also engaged in workshops designed to enhance their practical understanding of the processes discussed. The hands-on exercises allowed them to apply procurement and financial management principles relevant to their proposed enterprise subprojects. ###