Two Proponent Groups (PGs) in the provinces of Benguet and Abra can now proceed with the procurement process for their proposed enterprise subprojects after receiving the green light from the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).

Through the DA-PRDP Regional Project Coordination Office-CAR (RPCO-CAR), the following enterprise subprojects: Highland Vegetables Hauling and Delivery Services (PhP8.02 million) and the Mango Consolidation and Marketing enterprise (PhP8.63 million), were issued with the first No Objection Letter (NOL1) on October 3 and October 13 respectively, allowing the PGs to proceed with the procurement process.

The Highland Vegetables Hauling and Delivery Services, proposed by the Apanberang Farmers Association in Kabayan, Benguet, aims to assist farmers in the timely transportation of their vegetable produce to the market thereby uplifting the economic status of farmers involved through the establishment of a sustainable community enterprise.  

The mango consolidation and marketing enterprise, proposed by the Abra Vegetable Seed Growers Multipurpose Cooperative (AVSECO), intends to increase income of mango growers; and strengthen and develop a viable mango enterprise contributing to the development of the value chain; and improve Abra mango competitiveness and access in expanded market channel access.

Both PGs will employ Community Participation – Community Force Account (CFA) as mode of procurement for their enterprise subprojects. 

Through this mode of procurement, the PGs will handle the purchasing of raw materials, equipment, and other goods as specified in their business plans.

According to Christian Aries Salgado, RPCO-CAR Associate Procurement Officer, more concrete results are achieved when PGs have in them the sense of ownership through active involvement, particularly during decision-making and in all other processes like planning and procurement among others.

Members of the Apanberang FA were already oriented on the procurement guidelines and requirements last October 12 wherein they were able to form their own Technical Working Group (TWG), Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and Inspection Committee. A similar activity will also be held for the members of AVSECO.

With the CFA mode of procurement, PG members’ involvement is expected to increase as they go through with the procurement process and eventually the implementation of their enterprise subprojects. Elvy T. Estacio (RPCO-CAR InfoACE Unit)