To recognize the efforts and major accomplishments of the provinces and regions in North Luzon cluster, the Project Support Office (PSO) spearheaded an awarding ceremony during the cluster’s general assembly held last December 14 in Angeles, Pampanga.

The activity was attended by heads and staff from the Provincial Project Management Implementing Unit (PPMIU), Regional Project Coordination Offices (RPCOs) 1, 2, 3 and CAR, and representatives from the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO).

PSO Deputy Project Director Elma Mananes who led the ceremony stated that such activity is not to promote competition but to gain motivation in the simultaneous implementation of numerous subprojects, especially now that the project is on its fourth year of roll-out.

Enterprises

Under the I-REAP or enterprise component, the Ilocos Region received the award for being the most efficient region in terms of number of completed subprojects, totalling to 47 SPs. For the provincial level, Pangasinan with 29 SPs received the award.

Ilocos Region, La Union and the municipality of Cabugao also received awards for their respective I-REAP subprojects having 100% physical completion and 100% liquidation of funds – the first in the cluster in terms of timeline.

In terms of approval, Tarlac was awarded for being the most efficient LGU for regular I-REAP subprojects, while Quirino bagged the award for Small Livelihood Projects (SLPs). Ilocos Region (regular SPs) and Cagayan Valley (SLPs) received the awards for the regional level.

For the fund disbursement category, Bulacan was awarded as the most efficient LGU while Central Luzon is the most efficient region.

Infrastructures

The I-BUILD component awarded the province of Aurora as the most efficient LGU in terms of physical implementation and subproject progress pace. For the regional level, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) bagged the same award.

Isabela and Cagayan Valley got the awards as the most efficient in terms of subproject approval for Roads and Bridges. Same awards were given to Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Region, who were the most efficient for other infrastructures.

In terms of fund disbursement, Cagayan Valley again emerged as the most efficient region, while Quirino is the recipient for the provincial level.

Quirino is also the first proponent PLGU in the cluster with 100% physical completion and 100% disbursement of funds for its subproject Rehabilitation of PRJ-Dibibi-Dingasan FMR.

Recognitions were likewise given to provinces and their Rural Infrastructure Engineers with outstanding implementation of I-BUILD SPs in terms of physical progress, documentation, operations, maintenance and compliance to Social and Environmental Safeguards.

Aurora bagged the first place for its subproject Construction and Improvement of San Joaquin – Cadayakan FMR, along with Engr. Antonette Calilung. A special award was given to the joint venture of the Edfrobon Construction Services Inc. and Tribu Design Construction as the contractors of the FMR.

Following Aurora is Quirino for the Rehabilitation of PRJ-Dibibi- Dingasan FMR, with Engr. Ulysses Viernes. Third went to Kalinga for the Improvement of Banneng-Gombowoy FMR, with Engr. Orlando Panabang, and finally fourth place was awarded to Nueva Ecija for the Improvement of Basang Hamog-Pantoc-Bulac-Bulac FMR with Engr. Romel Tiangco.

The Geomapping and Governance Unit of the Ilocos Region was recognized for launching the Geodata Organizer Air as an innovative means of managing, monitoring, and presenting geotagged photos

Prior to the ceremony, a cluster meeting was conducted where PSO heads and representatives presented significant updates, World Bank midterm review mission recommendations, subprojects status and cost, disbursement status, and financial accomplishment, among others.

North Luzon Project Director Engr. Roy Abaya expressed his gratitude to all local chief executives and local government units who attended, and for continuously giving support to the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP)’s implementation.

Meanwhile DPD Mananes took the opportunity to address issues, answer queries regarding the project implementation and gather commitments from LGU and regional heads. (Kayla Arceo, PSO InfoACE Unit)