With national elections coming up by May 2016, in cases where there might be changes in leadership at the local government level, there is an expressed ambiguity in terms of continued support to the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP)-formulated sub-projects that already passed infant stages which were initiated under incumbent provincial leadership.

This common issue was raised during the CY 2015 Year-end Project Assessment and 2016 Strategic Planning Workshop held at Dagupan City on January 21, 2016 which was attended by the Provincial Project Monitoring and Implementing Units (PPMIUs) alongside the organic staff and consultants assigned at the Regional Project Coordinating Office (RPCO) in the region.

Albeit this assumed ambiguity, the participants were encouraged to continue with initial preparation activities of subproject proposals.

“Let us not be discouraged by the assumed waning support from our provincial leaders in regards PRDP subproject formulation activities. Instead, let us continue the good work so that we will be ready in case they are re-elected in their respective offices. ” Deputy Director Danilo Daguio urged. “In case they get replaced, let’s hope that the new provincial heads will appreciate your efforts and support the submission of formulated subprojects”, he added.

Moreover, Dr. Daguio encouraged the provinces to propose subprojects under other commodities, aside from coffee. Other commodities in line include heirloom/pigmented rice, root crops(i.e, white potato, purple yam), temperate fruits and vegetables (ie, mango, banana).

The activity likewise served as a venue for PPMIUs to share their experiences and learn from the testimony of each in order to improve the implementation of PRDP subprojects in CAR.

The PRDP is a six-year national project under the DA that aims to establish a modern, value-chain oriented, and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. In partnership with the Local Government Units and the private sector, the project shall provide key infrastructure, facilities, technology and information to raise incomes, productivity and competitiveness in targeted areas. (Mabel Zabala, InfoACE RPCO CAR