In a concerted effort to expedite rural development initiatives across Mindanao, the PRDP Project Support Office (PSO) Mindanao spearheaded the Ceremonial Awarding of the No Objection Letter 1 (NOL1) and the Signing of Implementation Management Agreements (IMA) in Davao City on September 3, 2024.

The event marked the second time the PSO Mindanao brought together local chief executives and PRDP regional offices to award NOL 1 certificates to subproject proposals for the PRDP Scale-Up, showcasing PSO Mindanao’s commitment to fast-tracking subproject approval and implementation through strong collaborative partnerships.

The three IMAs signed during the ceremony represent key infrastructure projects essential to the economic growth and development of local communities. These projects include the “Concreting of NHW Jct.-Sitio El Ulit Farm-to-Market Road” in Tantangan, South Cotabato; the “Construction of Double ‘A’ Slaughterhouse” in Salay, Misamis Oriental; and the “Upgrading/Concreting of Sianan-Lomogon Farm-to-Market Road” in Godod, Zamboanga del Norte. The receipt of NOL1 for these projects is a significant milestone towards the journey of subproject completion for these concerned LGUs.

PSO Mindanao Project Director and DA XI Regional Executive Director Macario D. Gonzaga emphasized the importance of collaboration in his welcome message. Gonzaga highlighted how the swift approval and initiation of these projects are a direct result of the strong partnerships between PSO Mindanao, the Regional Project Coordination Offices (RPCOs), and the Local Government Units (LGUs).

“This event is more than a ceremonial gathering; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to transparency, cooperation, and efficiency. Today’s ceremony stands as a testament to the strong partnerships we have cultivated with our LGUs—partnerships that are crucial in driving rural development and uplifting the lives of the communities we serve,” said Director Gonzaga. He expressed confidence that with the unwavering support from Mindanao’s Regional Executive Directors and the dedication of LGU partners, these subprojects will be implemented with speed and precision.

The event underscored the vital role of collaboration among various stakeholders in ensuring the timely execution of these projects.

The RPCO IX team, led by Project Director and DA IX Regional Executive Director Engr. Marcos Aves, Sr., and the RPCO XII team, headed by Project Director and DA XII Regional Executive Director Roberto Perales, along with Deputy Project Director Abraham Onotan, voiced their full support for the new subprojects under PRDP Scale-Up. They emphasized the importance of continuous coordination and monitoring to keep the implementation on track.

For his part, Engr. Marcos Aves, Sr. expressed his gratitude for the consistent support provided by PSO Mindanao, committing to diligent oversight of subproject progress within RPCO IX. Likewise, Director Roberto Perales also assured LGUs of his office’s readiness to offer any necessary assistance, reinforcing the collaborative effort required to bring these projects to fruition.

The presence of the chief executives from the three involved LGUs—Salay Municipal Mayor Angelo G. Capistrano Jr., Tantangan Mayor Timee Joy T. Gonzales, and Godod Municipal Mayor Abel Matildo—further emphasized the local commitment to these projects. Their active engagement is a clear demonstration of the collective resolve needed to accelerate subproject implementation for their municipalities.

Closing the event, PSO Mindanao Deputy Project Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA, expressed his gratitude to all participants. He highlighted the importance of this activity in fast-tracking compliance and securing the necessary approvals for subproject execution.

“It is particularly noteworthy that LGU Salay and Tantangan received their No Objection Letters just last August 20, and today we fast-track the implementation of these vital subprojects under the PRDP Scale-Up,” Collado said, underscoring the swift progress made possible through collaborative efforts.

Following the ceremony, the PSO Mindanao will also conduct a three-day procurement training workshop for the LGUs, further equipping them with the knowledge and tools essential for the effective and timely implementation of their subprojects. ( . , )