“Itong PRDP project na ito ay napakalaking tulong sa atin para mamitigate natin ang kinakaharap nating  problema na African Swine Fever (ASF).  Kahit madami ang mga documents na kailangan nating gawin at tapusin, sigurado namang matutulungan tayo nito para maitranspose ito sa isang functional slaughterhouse na systematic at self-liquidating. (This PRDP project is a huge help to mitigate our problem with the African Swine Fever (ASF). Even though there are many documents that we need to finish, it will definitely help us to transpose it into a functional slaughterhouse that is systematic and self-liquidating.)”

This was the message imparted by Dr. Alex Templonuevo OIC- Regional Technical Director of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) to the proponents of the slaughterhouse as a subproject to be funded by the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) under the I-BUILD Component. These 29 proposals were reviewed by a composite team which assisted the proponents in organizing and completing the documents for their proposals. 

Dr. Templonuevo explained that with the increasing number of ASF cases in the country, it is important that we know the source of the meat we buy and prepare for our family, to prevent illness or any harm it may cause. To ensure the safety and quality of meat, having an approved and certified slaughterhouse guarantees that the meat has passed the required hygiene and environmental standards that is fit for human consumption.

The I-BUILD Component team together with the representatives from the I-PLAN Component, M&E, GGU, ECON and SES Units of the South Luzon Project Support Office (PSO) and Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) – Bicol worked together to review all the proposals and give their comments and recommendations to avoid problems that LGUs may encounter and ensure that the documents are in line with PRDP guidelines and NMIS standards.

To date, the 29 project proposals were already endorsed by the composite team for funding under the second additional financing under EU co-financing grant to cover non-FMR/bridge subprojects to support the projects development framework in addressing gaps in the food supply chain. (Michelle Angela G. Alfigura, DA-PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)

Teresita Blanqueza, Social Environment and Safeguards Officer discusses the attachments that needs to be complied by the LGUs. (Photo by: Michelle Angela G. Alfigura, DA-PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)

Engr. Rhishel Peñara of PSO and Engr. Joel Catimbang review the submitted program of works (POW) and the detailed Engineering design. They also check the feasibility study involving the technical specifications of the project. (Michelle Angela G. Alfigura, DA-PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)

Rosslyn Deblois, Economist of the RPCO 5 duly reviews the feasibility study of each LGU focusing on their subproject objectives, Market/Demand-Supply Analysis, Technical Analysis and the Economic and Financial Analysis. (Photo by: Michelle Angela G. Alfigura, DA-PRDP RPCO V InfoACE Unit)