PRDP I-BUILD evaluates subproject implementation, strengthens harmonization efforts

The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project Scale-Up I-BUILD Component from the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO), Project Support Offices (PSO), and Regional Project Coordination Offices (RPCO) convened for the National I-BUILD Component Technical Workshop and 3rd Quarter Assessment on September 9-12, 2025 in Malay, Aklan.

The four-day activity aimed to discuss the status of pipelined and ongoing subprojects, draw out harmonized strategies in addressing recurring concerns among regions, and address the surfacing issue of anomalous practices involving contractors as disclosed in the national affairs.

To thoroughly review the current footing of subproject implementation for PRDP Scale-Up subprojects and remaining works for the Second Additional Financing (AF2), the I-BUILD Component Heads from four participating support offices presented updates on physical and financial accomplishments of the RPCOs in their respective clusters.

Feedbacks from concerned NPCO components and units alongside NPCO OIC National Deputy Project Director (DPD) Angelita Martir, I-BUILD Component Head and Officer-in-Charge from BAFE Office of the Director, Engr. Christy Cecilia Polido, and I-BUILD Alternate Component Head Engr. Roy Abaya were duly accommodated to reconcile the raised point of discussion.

To further update the component of the PRDP Scale-Up guidelines, NPCO Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Unit, Procurement Unit, Finance Unit, Economist, Geomapping and Government Unit, and Institutional Development Unit presented significant details necessary for the operations of the I-BUILD Component.

Acknowledging the pressing issue on the national government affairs, National DPD Angelita Martir encouraged the component to observe a more stringent implementation of the subprojects particularly now in PRDP Sale-Up as the project is expected to perform above and beyond given the entrusted allocation and extensive scope for an inclusive rural development.

“We have the right tools to effectively implement our subprojects and it is our duty to ensure the compliances of our contractors as one of our important stakeholders in this project,” said Martir.

NPCO I-BUILD Alternate Component Head, Engr. Roy Abaya, seconded the measures to guarantee timely completion of the subprojects and urged the respective regional offices to fully utilize the repository tool of the project, SIDLAN, to monitor and filter out contractors previously signed with PRDP.

The activity is a significant undertaking to push for a more credible project implementation that should be mirrored across agencies and justify fund utilization to better serve their respective stakeholders. ###