Engineers from Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) gathered in a Site Engineers’ Forum at the Pangasinan Research and Experimental Center (PREC) in Sual, Pangasinan from March 1 to 4, 2017.

The forum aims to resolve issues which engineers encounter in the implementation of PRDP subprojects (i.e. unauthorized pulling out of equipment of the contractor from the site, preventing high slippages, non-compliance with roles as stipulated in the Implementation Management Agreement, Local Government Unit’s lack of interest in project implementation, etcetera).

In response, Luzon A Roads and Bridges Specialist Engr. Dennis Flores gave recommendations on the effective implementation of subprojects under the PRDP such as, to always negotiate before implementing; being vigilant; full observance of the terms of reference of the contractor; and religious documentation of activities in the subproject site.

During the forum, Luzon A Deputy Project Director Elma Mananes also discussed that one causes of delay of subproject implementation and low disbursement is the prescribed number of days from subproject preparation to No Objection Letter 2 (NOL 2)-issuance.

For infrastructures, the Project’s prescribed number of days from subproject preparation to NOL 2-issuance is 332 days. The cluster, however, takes 502 days from infrastructure subproject preparation to NOL 2 issuance. Dir. Mananes hopes to meet the prescribed number of days through the engineers’ cooperation in thoroughly and promptly reviewing and evaluating subprojects.

The Project’s engineers are tasked to supervise the implementation of infrastructure development subprojects. They play a crucial role in the physical progress subprojects which in turn affects the disbursement of funds. The engineers are scheduled to attend another construction management training-workshop to further capacitate them in ensuring a successful implementation of PRDP in the region. (Ilocos InfoACE)