InFOCUS July to December 2020 NEWSLETTER

PRDP PSO VISAYAS, RPCO 7 CONDUCTS
VIRTUAL JIT

In an effort to ensure quality on the government units (LGUs) for adapting the new
infrastructure projects implemented, the Joint normal approaches in project implementation.
Inspection Team (JIT) conducts virtual projects “This platform is beneficial to management who
inspections and verification via wishes to disburse funds and to the contractors who
teleconferencing. seek to bill for their accomplished work. We support
and welcome this approach.” Engr. Euniterio Ceniza,
The said virtual conference was patterned from the Provincial Engineering Office Bohol.
recently concluded 10th World Bank Implementation According to site engineers from various contractors
Support Mission. working with PRDP projects, transitioning to the new
normal is economical, saves time and money.
Virtual conference is the new normal approach in “Distance was never an issue; we still achieve the
this time of health crisis due to COVID-19. This very purpose of the inspection and that is to discuss
approach replaces the usual physical visits to findings and recommendations about the project
subprojects and limits face to face interactions to being implemented” Engr. Geralden Aracaya said.
proponent groups and beneficiaries without
compromising the health of the JIT nor jeopardize NEW NORMAL
the project’s implementation.
PRDP RPCO & adopts to the new normal of
Two (2) major farm-to-market roads (FMR) in doing thing in subproject monitoring.
Central Visayas (CV) were subjected to the
virtual inspections. The infra projects were the
concreted road sections of the 6.94-km
Dagnawan to Dagohoy FMR and the 18.5-km
Hilaitan to Trinidad FMR.

In the virtual inspection, the JIT members use
the geotagged photos and videos in scrutinizing
and assessing the construction progress and
methodologies. Finding and recommendations
will be issued for the contractor to comply as
requirements for the billing.

This new approach was lauded by stakeholders and
partner implementing agencies like the local

STRAIGHT TALK

“ Truly a challenging year (2020) this was, Our transition to the new
normal in the Department wasn’t easy given that our partners are
vastly from the rural areas with some having geographically
challenging locations and poor network connectivity.

Even so, we are delighted to share that after redirecting our efforts
to suit the demands of the new normal and ensure safety of our
personnel. It is noteworthy that services under the Philippine Rural
Development Project (PRDP) remain unhampered.

By now, we have grown accustomed to the new ways and are

enthusiastic to bring forth more projects and opportunities in the

’’rural areas. Atty. Salvador D. Diputado LLM. Ph. D

Regional Executive Director

/ Project Director, PRDP

FROM THE FOCAL

’’ I am taking this opportunity to extend my appreciation to our PRDP
partners from the various implementing agencies, local government units
(lgus) and most significantly to our farmer beneficiaries who willingly
embraced the various virtual activities under this new normal.

Let us all meet halfway through the virtual platforms we are providing.

Currently it is the safest means to adhere to the protocols while ensur-

ing that the services of PRDP continue to roll out to identified areas in

the countryside. Marina T. Hermoso

’’ Focal Person, PRDP

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PRDP REINFORCES SAFETY HEALTH PROTOCOLS
IN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AMID COVID

Health protocol measures have been in place following the The Social Environmental Safeguards (SES) of the
call to reinforce health and safety for workers belonging to
the construction industry. Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in
Central Visayas immediately handed supplemental
guidelines on Community and Occupational Safety
and Health (COSH) to its contractors to combat Covid
-19.

The contractors affirmed with the supplemental
guidelines and will integrate the immediate
adaptation as soon as their operations began to
resume. The social environmental safeguards officer
shall closely monitor the COSH guidelines through
virtual meetings.

On the part of the PhilSouth Builders, the contractor
in-charge for the rehabilitation of the 18.5 kilometer
(km) Hilaitan to Trinidad farm-to-market road in Gui-
hulngan City, in Negros Oriental, said that
heeding the guidelines meant the constant
re-echoing of the standard health protocols like
physical distancing, wearing of face mask, frequent
hand washing and regular temperature.

Engineer Teresito B. Maderazo Jr., the Project Engi-
neer of PhilSouth Builders, described the
supplemental guidelines similar to a “helmet’’
signifying added protection and safety.

“In terms of integrating the guidelines in our daily
operations, I believe our score would be seven (7),
with ten (10) being the highest. This is because we
give leeway to those workers who perform
strenuous work for as long as the physical
distancing rule is strictly observed.” Engr.
Maderazo Jr. said.

Aside from the mentioned health protocols, regular

office disinfection temperature checks for those

employed and staying in the barracks are some of

Read more >>>

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their best practices. On top of these, those locally The wearing of face masks are mostly violated
hired workers are frequently reminded to inform because workers would complain of difficulty in
their respective barangays for any recurring fevers breathing especially when the work is very strenuous.
while a logbook system is made available for those
workers who come from adjacent municipalities. The “With this pandemic, I make sure everyone observes
observance of limited number of workers transported and follows the health protocols. I do random
on vehicles to the designated road sections is also
observed to ensure personnel health safety. checkups at their designated work areas to see to it
that they get accustomed to the protocols” Engr.
For YS Construction who handles the rehabilitation of Suarez remarked.
the 6.94-km Dagnawan to Dagohoy farm-to-market
road in Inabanga, Bohol provided the necessary Suarez even designated the project foreman to help
health essential items such as temperature guns, in the monitoring of their personnel and to notify him
alcohol, disinfection kits and face masks to their of their needed health needs like additional masks.
workers in response to the supplemental guidelines
of the PRDP SES. However, the mandatory wearing of To further ensure the contractor’s compliance, the
facemasks to workers are quite challenging to some. Local Government Unit of Inabanga and the barangay
officials also made their presence felt by putting the
According to Engr. Rhio Suarez, Project Engineer of YS workers under random monitoring to ensure health
Construction, they are implementing the strict protocols are followed. / Bexmae Jumao-as, Writer
observance of the physical distancing rule, daily
sanitation procedures and limited number of
passengers’ onboard vehicles.

PRDP INTRODUCES In an orientation workshop last November 4-5,
(NINE) 9 2020, the tools presented include
the Operations Manual for Infrastructure and
SCIENTIFIC TOOLS Enterprise, Document Tracking System (DTS),
FOR Expanded Vulnerability and Suitability
Assessment (eVSA),
MAINSTREAMING
TO DA AGENCY. Read more >>>

Nine (9) scientific tools and
innovations under the Philippine
Rural Development Project (PRDP)
are being lobbied for mainstreaming
in the various programs under the Department
of Agriculture in Region VII.

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Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP),
Applied Geotagging Tool (AGT); Web-based M &
E System, Rapid Appraisal for Emerging Benefits
(RAEB); Citizens Monitoring Tool; and Grievance
Redress Mechanism (GRM).

Regional Technical Director and PRDP Focal
Person Marina Hermoso, in her welcome
message, encouraged the participating DA
personnel to take a look at the tools and its
processes and assess it if its “feasible for
implementation”.

“PRDP’s documentation is not that easy “SLOWLY, BUT SURELY.” RTD Marina Hermoso (above photo) calls
especially the Geomapping and Governance for the cooperation of DA personnel in assessing PRDP tools to be
adapted in the Department of Agriculture.
Unit (GGU) and the Social Environmental
Safeguards (SES) but, I hope you can learn to
adapt these innovations as they are essential
and would improve the way we plan and
implement programs under the DA Agency”

she shared.

The I-PLAN Component pushes for the use of The Enterprise Component pushes three key
Commodity Prioritization Tool, Value Chain tools on enterprise prioritization- Business
Analysis (VCA) and Provincial Commodity Planning Review and Proponent Group (PG)
Investment Plan (PCIP) as an integral tools in Selection process that could aid improve the flow
planning which addresses certain gaps that affect of assistance in the agency’s banner programs; in
commodities links to the market. This is the identification of qualified proponent groups to
supported with the Expanded Vulnerability and receive technical and capacity building such as
Suitability Assessment (eVSA) which highly Enterprise Prioritization, Business Planning
influence the ranking of municipalities for Review and Proponent Group (PG) Selection
prioritization making it easier for the agency to process.
identify the particular intervention needed and
could aid management in the decision making From the I-SUPPORT, the Social
process. Environmental Safeguards (SES) orients the
agency with a thorough framework beginning with
The I-BUILD Component amplifies its role as a
support to strategic infrastructure promoting food Read more >>>
productivity addressing gaps in the food supply
and transport flow (e.g. pre and post-harvest 59
facilities, market-related infra). This also requires
stringent implementation and monitoring from pre
-implementation, on-going and
post-implementation phase.

the Environmental Management, Land Acquisition In response, Regional Technical Director for
Indigenous People and Grievance Redress Research Joel Elumba acknowledges the impacts of
Mechanism (GRM). Adaption of these stringent the tools that could address the weak points of the
frameworks unto the DA will ensure implemented agency in its overall operation and program
projects are of quality as they are well implementation.
documented and supported with the right permits Furthermore, hiring a Technical System Developer
and have engaged a public consultation while the and discussions on the institutionalization of the
GRM can be a good tool for DA to address raised above-mentioned tools will be subjected to a Pilot
grievances and a platform for those who seek re- testing which will be presented through an agenda in
dress from the agency’s activities. future management meetings.

The Applied Geotagging Tool (AGT) lobbies the Engr. Willy Hart Cullano, GIS Data Officer
Intensive use of the GeoCamera, GeoVideo and discusses on the Road Influence Area (RIA)
GeoSMS in the various stages of subprojects. Its role
covers documentation from the proposal,
implementation and completion until the operation
and maintenance phase and is vital in monitoring and
supervision activities with results of
transparency and disclosure.

The M&E Web-based system, Document Tracking
System (DTS), Citizens Monitoring Tool (CMT) and
Rapid Appraisal of Emerging Benefits of PRDP can
further shape DA’s project databases and engage
active participation from local government units up
to the barangay level.

Lastly, the Information, Advocacy, Communication
and Education (InfoACE) highlighted its strength as
the image builder of the project and encourages the
use of communication platforms and approaches and
maximizing these for promotional or information
related activities.

Mr. David Amrinto, I-REAP
Component Head cites three tools
that can help DA in its programs.

Cheryl dela Victoria, InfoACE Unit Head Petronilla Corpuz, I-PLAN
stresses the importance of proper Component Head introduces the
documentation of subprojects.
tools to DA management.

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PRDP turned over some checks amounting to P 18.4-M worth to
Negros Oriental and Bohol Proponent Groups

The Philippine Rural Development Project - Project
Support Office-Visayas Cluster (PRDP-PSO Visayas) turned
over recently a total of P 18, 385,170 worth of checks in-
tended for the economic investment projects of the 13
proponents groups (PG) from Bohol and Negros
Oriental.

Of the amount, some P 17.2 million will be for the

development, production increase, consolidation and

marketing for the Native Chicken in Canlaon, Negros

Oriental, Virgin Coconut Oil in Jagna, Bohol and

Valencia, Negros Oriental and Seaweeds Production in

Getafe, Bohol.

The PGs from Bohol were: 1) Alumar Farmers and

Fishermen Association (AFFAS) receiving an amount of

Php4.56 million, 2) Kinagbaan Coconut Farmers and

Processors Organization (KCFPO) receiving Php3.06

million , 3) Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Asinan

(NAMASIN) receiving P 250,000 pesos,

4) BilangBilangan East Fishermen’s Association (BEFA)

receiving an amount of P 126,440.00, 5) Hingotanan West

Fishermen’s Association (HIWEFA) receiving P 100,000

pesos, 6) Kahugpungan sa Gagmay’ng Thirteen (13) grateful proponent groups received their
respective checks following a turn-over ceremony of the
Mananagat sa Saguise ( KAGAMASA) and the
Environment Facility (GEF) while another amount of
7) Aguiningnong Pondok sa Yanong Mananagat (APYM) P 378,730 was for the seven (7) equipment units for
the Bohol Dairy Processing and Marketing Enterprise
each receiving an amount of P 75,000 pesos and (BODPA) in Ubay, Bohol.

8) Kahugpungan sa Gagmayng Mananagatug Mag uuma Of these proponent groups, two PGs were new
partners of PRDP. These were the Barangay
sa Sinandigan (KAGAMMASI), 9) Cataban Fisherfolks Liptong Small Coconut Farmers Association
(BLISCOFA) and the Canlaon City Multi-purpose
Development Association (CAFDA) and Cooperative (CCMPC) from Negros Oriental.

10) Guindacpan Growers of Seaweeds Seedlings Edilberta Sogocio,General Manager of BLISCOFA and
Norberto Tamayo, Chairman of CCMPC
Organization (GGOSSO) each received P 60,000 pesos expressed gratefulness for the project support they

respectively. Bohol Dairy Producers Association (BODPA) Read more >>>

receives P 378,730 pesos worth of freezers and chiller. 79

For Negros Oriental, the PGs were Barangay Liptong
Small Coconut Farmers Association (BLISCOFA) with Php
6.155 million check and Canlaon City Multi-purpose
Cooperative (CCMPC) with a check of Php 3.414 million.

Another amount of P 806,440 was the second tranche
of the eight (8) micro-enterprises under the Global

“Rest assured that the money we received will be used properly in The 60% is funded by World Bank, 20% from the Government of the Philip-

accordance to our enterprise business plan”, Sogocio said. pines (GOP) while the remaining 20% as equity of the proponent group

either in the form of cash or in kind.

PRDP’s investments for rural enterprises and agricultural and fisheries

productivity (I-REAP) has a financing scheme of 60% - 20%-20%.

NEW NORMAL PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Target Beneficiaries for a water project proposal
in Moalboal southern Cebu is seen strictly
adhering to the new normal health protocols
during a public consultation.

Donning face masks, strictly observing the where they can express their respective
physical distancing protocol and concerns, fears and how far the community
conducting consultations in wide- open will be involved in the pre and post-project
spaces, are a few of the precautionary life.
measures that the Social Environmental Safeguards Among the most sought questions from the
(SES) have coordinated with interested municipalities beneficiaries delve on the will to pay for
vying for various projects under the Department of the water, lot donation concerns, water
Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project source and distribution as well as the
(PRDP). design.

The most recent was last December 21-22, 28 and 29, THIRST FOR WATER
2020 following the new normal and was positively
responded by the municipal local government unit of Six (6) barangays are identified to benefit from the
Moalboal and acknowledged by 850 target proposed Moalboal water project. These are
beneficiaries of the proposed Moalboal Integrated barangays Bala, Lower Lanao, Tuble, Poblacion East,
Water Supply (MIWS) of the same municipality. Tunga and Saavedra, serviceable to 1,800
households.
While ensuring the majority’s safety and to expedite
the document preparation process, conducting the Aside from the three (3) reservoirs, around 75 tap
public consultation is also a means of communicating stands are expected to be in place, with 1 tap stand
the project to the community by providing an avenue for every 6 households.

8 Water is essential to life, this particular need is also
the source of major headache of residents in
Moalboal regardless of whether the person resides in
upland or either in lowland areas.

For Virginia Bulao of barangay Lanao, it would
consume 3 hours of her time just to fetch one
container of water from the source to her home to be
used for her daily chores.

“On worst days, when there is a heavy downpour, According to Roberto Domugho, a resident in one of
the river cannot be crossed so there is no way for us the sitios in Saavedra, they have to spend more just
to fetch water”, Bulao shared. for a cubic of water or a minimum of 50 pesos for a
drum of water.
Farming is not even an option for many especially for
Timotea Belicano of barangay Lanao since the water “While it may not be taxing compared to the upland
remains a big issue and paying a fee of 20 pesos for areas, considering the pandemic and having no sta-
labor is already straining her everyday budget. ble income I can only hope time will come that we’ll
be able to break loose from this.
“It would be convenient if the water can be easily
accessed near our homes, it would truly ease our “Residential customers like us, are less prioritized
worries”, Belicano said. over commercial establishments. Up until their res-
ervoirs are filled up then that’s the only time we get
In the lowland areas where various water delivery our ordered waters delivered’, Leonides
services are available, water remains an issue in both Lambating said.
financial and accessibility aspects.

Brgy. Tunga, Moalboal Brgy. Lanao, Moalboal

Brgy. Saavedra, Moalboal Brgy. Tuble, Moalboal
Public Consultations held at the various barangay gyms in the Municipality of Moalboal.
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World Bank 11th Virtual
Implementation Support Mission

SPOTLIGHT| “T’was an experience to
remember for Edilberta Sogocio
General Manager of the Barangay
Liptong Small Coconut Farmers
Association Inc. (BLISCOFA) in Negros
Oriental.
This as BLISCOFA ‘s pride local brand of
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) takes center
stage during the 11th Virtual World Bank
Implementation Support Mission last
Nov. 19, 2020.
“It was a first for us since the usual
presentation were all done face to face
compared to this set up over the web”,
Sogocio described.

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During the mission proper BLISCOFA was able to engage in a healthy discussion with World Bank Consultants
wherein the latter answered questions pertaining to product expansion, farmer member increase, earnings,
challenges during the pandemic and further trainings needed.

HUMAN CHRISTMAS TREE | PRDP RPCO 7 is capping off the year 2020 with a battle of creativity and teamwork. Using very

limited materials three (3) groups came up with their very own Human Christmas Tree with the yellow team emerging victorious
after the short game.

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Editorial Board

Editor–in-Chief
Cheryl M. dela Victoria
Writer/Photographer/Lay-out Artist
Bexmae P. Jumao-as

Adviser
Atty. Salvador D. Diputado LLM., Ph.D

Co-Adviser
RTD Marina T. Hermoso
Circulation Managers:

RPCO 7 PRDP
Component and Unit Heads

Engr. Marcial D. Agad
Petronila A. Corpuz
Melquiades B. Ibarra
Elina P. Rivera
David E. Amrinto
Mariano T. Dumayac

Engr. Jose Paolo O. Acero
Elvin J. Milleza
Nerillen Z. Dinoy
Wilma T. Piedad