Cordi P192-M infra projects endorsed for DA-PRDP fund

By Elvy Taquio Estacio

BAGUIO CITY -- The Cordillera Regional Project Advisory Board endorsed nine proposed infrastructure subprojects amounting to P198.92 million for funding under the Dept. of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) May 25 here in the summer capital.
    Chaired by DA-CAR regional executive director Cameron P. Odsey, the RPAB  endorsed  construction of seven potable water systems in Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet, and Ifugao.
    This includes construction of Anonang-Liwan West PWS in Rizal, Kalinga; Lias, Barlig, Mountain Province and Aguinaldo, Ifugao.
    In Kabayan, Benguet, water systems are also planned in Onoy-Gusaran, Poblacion, Duacan-Beleng-Balang and Paltingan-Biomodol-Ballay Elementary School.
    The RPAB also endorsed construction of government warehouse and trading center in Rizal, Kalinga and improvement of the 5.55-km Cabatacan-San-Mariano-San Jose farm-to-market road in Pudtol, Apayao worth over P130 million.
    The latter was re-endorsed by the RPAB considering several deviations in the proposal including an 8.75 percent increase in cost.
    Aside from the presentations of the proponent LGUs, the Regional Project Coordination Office also presented initial findings on proposed projects based from PRDP guidelines.
    The RPCO said the proposed subprojects are feasible since there are no duplication or overlapping of projects based on the submitted geo-photos.
    Proponent LGUs were advised to comply and submit lacking social and environmental safeguards (SES) documents prior to issuance of a no objection letter (NOL) from the PRDP.
    Ma. Trinivic Silang of the regional Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources said policies for protection of water sources should be crafted.
    Hilda Verzola of the regional National Commission on Indigenous Peoples told  proponent LGUs to submit applications for the required certifications along with necessary attachments for the NCIP to facilitate process of issuance.
    On the proposed FMR subproject in Pudtol, Apayao which was re-endorsed, Verzola said project beneficiaries should be informed about the changes.
    “The beneficiaries should be informed on the additional structures that will be constructed so that complaints will be resolved early,” Verzola said.
    Under the DA-PRDP, the World Bank (loan proceeds) will shell out 80 percent of the total cost of the proposed subprojects.
    Ten percent will be subsidized by the national government through the DA, and the remaining 10 percent will be paid by proponent provincial/municipal LGUs as counterpart fund.