The Regional Project Advisory Board-Cordillera (RPAB-CAR) endorsed nine proposed infrastructure subprojects amounting to P198.92 million for funding by the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).
Chaired by DA OIC-Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey, the RPAB unanimously endorsed the construction or improvement of seven level 2 potable water system (PWS) in Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet, and Ifugao.
This includes construction of the Anonang-Liwan West PWS level 2 in Rizal, Kalinga; construction of Lias PWS level 2 in Barlig, Mountain Province; construction of Aguinaldo PWS level 2 in Ifugao; and construction and improvement of level 2 PWS in Onoy-Gusaran PWS, Poblacion PWS, Duacan-Beleng-Balang PWS, and Paltingan-Biomodol-Ballay Elementary School PWS in Kabayan, Benguet.
The RPAB also endorsed the construction of the Rizal Warehouse and Trading Center and improvement of the 5.55-kilometer Cabatacan-San-Mariano-San Jose farm-to-market road in Pudtol, Apayao worth over P130M.
The latter was re-endorsed by the RPAB considering several deviations in the proposal including an 8.75 percent increase in cost.
However, the Regional Project Coordination Office said while the proposed subprojects from the local government units are feasible, proponent LGUs were advised to submit Social and Environmental Safeguards documents prior to the issuance of a No Objection Letter from the PRDP.
Ma. Trinivic Silang of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera emphasized that policies for the operations and for the protection of the water sources should be crafted.
Hilda Verzola of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Cordillera also reminded the proponent LGUs to submit applications for the required certifications along with the necessary attachments for the NCIP to facilitate the process of issuance.
As to the proposed FMR subproject in Pudtol, Apayao which was re-endorsed, Verzola said subproject beneficiaries should be informed about the changes.
“The beneficiaries should be informed on the additional structures that will be constructed so that any complaints will be resolved early,” Verzola said. – Elvy T. Estacio
