The Cordillera Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) recently approved and correspondingly endorsed on September 30, four proposed enterprise and infrastructure development subprojects for funding under the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP). 

Among the approved subprojects include the Highland Vegetables Hauling and Delivery Services proposed by the Apanberang Farmers Association in Kabayan, Benguet worth PhP8.025 million; the Construction of Central Mayoyao Level II Potable Water System (PWS) worth PhP95.089 million; the Construction of Aguinaldo Level II PWS worth PhP17.939 million (re-endorsed); and the Improvement of Pula-Cawayan-Camadag Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) with Bridge worth PhP186.993 million (re-endorsed) located in Asipulo, Ifugao 

The proposed construction of Aguinaldo Level II PWS was re-endorsed due to the necessary variations that were found during the subproject appraisal which led to an increase in project cost. Meanwhile, the proposed improvement of Pula-Cawayan-Camandag FMR, which was previously terminated, was repackaged with the inclusion of additional structures and increase in the costs of labor and materials. Re-endorsement is also needed for this subproject since it will be realigned from the Original Loan funding to the second Additional Financing (AF2).

DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey, RPAB Chairperson, was joined by RTD for Operations Engr. Danilo P. Daguio, and the members of the RPAB composed of representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry-CAR, Department of Public Works and Highways-CAR, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-CAR, Department of Agrarian Reform-CAR, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-CAR, and DA-Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council-CAR.

Dir. Odsey briefly discussed the functions of the RPAB in the approval/endorsement of proposed enterprise and infrastructure subprojects to be implemented under the DA-PRDP.

During the meeting, the respective Proponent Group/LGUs presented the technical aspects and the feasibility of their proposals including the benefits that it would contribute to the communities. Every after each presentation, the Regional Project Coordination Office-CAR (RPCO-CAR) provided a brief assessment of the proposed subprojects’ compliances as regards DA-PRDP requirements.

Members of the RPAB raised queries and recommendations on future market expansion plans of the PG, on product development, and on crop programing. They also commented on the consistency of data incorporated in the Business Plan.

As to the infrastructure subproject proposals, the RPAB focused on mitigating measures to protect and conserve the watershed. 

The proponent LGUs cited the Sustainable Traditional and Indigenous Forest Resources Management Systems and Practices (STIFRMSP) that is practiced in their locality to protect and conserve watershed area.

As to the improvement of Pula-Cawayan-Camandag FMR, Dir. Odsey expressed his hopes of resolving issues that aroused due to the previous termination of the FMR subproject through the actions of the RPAB in re-endorsing the subproject for PRDP funding.

The RPAB is tasked to provide guidance to the RPCO in reviewing and ensuring that policies are carried out in project implementation. Elvy Taquio Estacio (RPCO-CAR)