PRDP inFOCUS Mindanao January 2023 Issue

Sharing Knowledge, Expanding Opportunities

Following the promising results of the seaweed propagation project in Tawi-Tawi, PRDP Mindanao, through their convergence initiative is bringing much needed support to seaweed farmers in Sulu.

(Story on Page 8)

3 PRDP Mindanao Co-Funds DOrSU Bangus Research

4 WB Firms Up Institutional & Fiduciary Accountability with DA Projects

5 From Conflict to Coffee: Shifting Sulu’s Narrative

6 RPCO 12 Provides Technical Assistance on Infra SP Preparation

7 RPCO 10 Conducts Tech Review on Infra SP Proposals

8 Bringing Sulu Seaweed Back to the Limelight

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• I-REAP Harmonizes Operations for 2023

• RPCO 13 Conducts Workshop on Economic and Financial Analysis

12 MAFAR PRDP Breaks Ground on Tandubas Infra Subprojects

13 Davao PGs Receive First Tranche AF2-EU Support

14 Breaking Through in 2022: PRDP Mindanao’s Year End Report

15 PRDP Trains BARMM LGUs, Contractors on Tools and Processes

16

DA-PRDP, WB Kick Off Preparation Mission for PRDP Scale-Up

PRDP MINDANAO CO-FUNDS DOrSU BANGUS RESEARCH

by :

With the rising cost of feeds affecting local bangus production, DA-PRDP, BFAR and DOST partner with Davao Oriental State University to find solutions to bring down the price of the popular fish.

The Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project Mindanao (DAPRDP) hosted the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XI (BFAR XI) and the Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST XI) at the Project Support Office Mindanao for the launching of the research project by Davao Oriental State University’s research on indigenous raw materials for bangus feeds.

The study, “Enhancing Food Security, Social Inclusion, and Sustainability in the Milkfish Aquaculture Through the Use of Indigenous Raw Materials as Feed Components” will be funded under IPLAN’s subcomponent 1.2 as part of their convergence initiative for bangus. The launch was highlighted by the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the partners and implementers of the study.

According to the project leader of the study, Prof. Edison Macusi of Davao Oriental State University, while bangus is one of the most widely consumed fish in the country, many issues affect their local production which have a direct impact on supply and price. Chief of these is the high cost of feeds which in turn is caused by the high cost of imported raw materials needed to manufacture these feeds. As such, the main objective of the study is to find alternative sources of protein which can be used in the local manufacture of feeds.

The research project will conclude by the

end of 2023.

Present at the MOA signing were Regional Director for DOST XI Dr. Anthony C. Sales, CESO III; Regional Director for BFAR XI, Raul C. Millana, MFT; Project Director for PRDP Mindanao Cluster and Regional Executive Director, DA RFO XI Abel James Monteagudo; and PRDP Mindanao Accountant Marypaz Ramirez along with the staff from their respective agencies.

In his message, Director Monteagudo highlighted the importance of addressing food sufficiency and the importance of science and research to address this. “Food sufficiency is something that all administrations have to deal with but has become more of a concern recently because unlike years ago, raw materials and goods were more abundant,” Monteagudo said. “We hope there are more joint projects like this where we can venture

into the unknown together with the academe and I hope that there will come a time when we can be ahead of the demands for food sufficiency.”

DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales gave his message of support to the joint project highlighting the areas for partnership between their agency and DA-PRDP. “We see a lot of entry points for DOST and a lot of convergence points between DOST, DA and our other partners in the project,” Sales said. “I look forward to the successful implementation of PRDP and its component projects with the support and commitment of DOST.”

The P1.7 million research project with DOrSu is co-funded by DA-PRDP and DOST XI and is part of the IPLAN component’s convergence initiatives meant to support the implementation of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan.

Joseph John Palarca | PSO Mindanao

Research project partners DOrSu Prof. Edison Macusi, DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales, Project Director for PRDP Mindanao Cluster and Regional Executive Director, DA RFO XI Abel James Monteagudo, BFAR XI Regional Director Raul Millana, and PRDP PSO Mindanao Accountant Marypaz Ramirez. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

LEFT to right: Prof. Edison Macusi of Davao Oriental State University, DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales, and Project Director for PRDP Mindanao Cluster and Regional Executive Director, DA RFO XI Abel James Monteagudo sign the Memorandum of Agreement for the bangus research. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

WB FIRMS UP INSTITUTIONAL & FIDUCIARY ACCOUNTABILITY WITH DA PROJECTS

by : Joy Montecalvo | PSO

To support the call to firm up on existing institutional structures and fiduciary units, the World Bank Team conducted the “Technical Discussions on Institutional and Fiduciary Strengthening for DA Projects in the World Bank Pipelines” to ensure that their loan proceeds will be used towards their intended purpose.

After kicking off with an introduction of the main concepts for the technical discussions with a blended forum on January 9, 2023 at the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO), the World Bank team led by Co-Task Team Leader Maria Theresa Quiñones, Institutional Strengthening Specialist Anna Pinto-Herbert, and WB Finance Consultant Tomas Sta. Maria flew in to Davao to meet with PRDP Mindanao team for more in-depth discussions from January 11-13, 2023.

World Bank Institutional Strengthening Specialist Anna Pinto-Hebert presented the “Guidelines on Preventing and Combating Fraud and Corruption in Projects Financed by IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants” where she emphasized the importance of identifying red flags in project implementation and provide solutions to mitigate their negative impacts to the entire project.

“We have to ensure that the loan proceeds will be used for its intended purpose for economy, efficiency, and sustainable achievement of our development object,” Pinto-Herbert said. “We have to address any red flag that may arise in order to avoid more problems in the future that might affect the quality of our projects.”

The discussion focused on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the project by ensuring that no anomalies and corruption occurred as it affects the outcome and success of the project. The discussion also led to the sharing of experiences of participants when it comes to challenges on the ground especially on the procurement and bidding process for both

infrastructure and enterprise subprojects.

With the coming in of more World Bank funded projects there is a need to review the systems in place to ensure that DA-PRDP is able to identify and avoid fraudulent and corrupt practices in its implementation processes.

In his opening message, PRDP Mindanao Project Director and DA-XI Regional Exec. Director Abel James I. Monteagudo echoed this sentiment and reiterated that the Mindanao Cluster’s projects with the Bank continuously promote global standards on civil works as well as inclusive rural development.

important role especially in project monitoring and implementation on the ground.

Similarly, project contractors are essential when it comes to the technical aspects of ensuring that all infrastructure projects comply with the quality and standards set by the Project. Contractors have to ensure that the program of works stipulated in the contract are always complied.

According to Hebert, there is a need to detect all the early signs of red flags in project implementation such as fraud, collusion, and even the existence of conflict of interest that might lead to corruption. This is to avoid bigger issues that might result to cancellation or failure on project implementation. She added that based on research, reducing the quality and standard of an infrastructure work would result to bigger losses on the part of the government where a farm-tomarket road, for example, would fail to fulfill its five-year expected lifespan.

On the last day, the World Bank team also had a fruitful discussion on the last day where COA shared a short overview of their audit process. COA assured the WB Team that should there be any suspicious transactions and documents, they could detect these immediately and promptly make a report of it to take appropriate actions.

The technical discussion brings opportunities to delve deeper into what the World Bank, DAPRDP and all of its stakeholders can do to make sure that full support for development would be implemented in accordance to their mandate and purpose.

The presentation was followed by a workshop where the participants were given the chance to identify the different red flags that were present in a set of specific cases and scenarios and provide solutions to address these issues.

On the second day of the activity, Hebert focused on the topic of detecting fraud and corruption in implementing projects from bidding up to its completion. With PRDP, LGUs have an

The participants for week long activity were the component and unit heads of PSO Mindanao, BFAR Region 10, Regional Project Coordination Office 11, LGUs from the Province of Sultan Kudarat, Province of Maguindanao, Province of Davao del Norte, and Province of Davao del Sur, subproject Contractors, beneficiaries, and COA XI Auditors.

Mindanao

PSO Mindanao with RPCO 11 and World Bank Team gives a thumbs up after a very productive workshop and discussion. (Front left: PSO Mindanao Finance Unit Head Christian Xerxis Hernandex, DPD Noel T. Provido, Project Director and RED Abel James I. Monteagudo with the World Bank Institutional Strengthening Specialist Anna Pinto-Hebert, Co-Task Team Leader Maria Theresa Quinones, WB Consultant Tomas Sta Maria and RPCO XI I-PLAN Component Head Ma. Febe T. Orbe.)

World Bank Institutional Strengthening Specialist Anna Pinto-Herbert (Photo by PSO Mindanao).

Kantitap Consumers Cooperative (KCC) members proudly showcase their very own coffee with their elegant packaging and known for its Qahwa Sulu Coffe. They have varieties of coffee blend such as coffee with mangosteen, Civet coffee, roasted coffee and many more.

FROM CONFLICT TO COFFEE: SHIFTING SULU’S NARRATIVE

by : Joy Montecalvo | PSO Mindanao

After years of insurgency and armed combat, the people of Sulu are now shifting their story away from conflict through coffee.

Qahwa Sug or Sulu coffee has a long history rooted in the Province of Sulu. It has been part of the people’s culture, in social gatherings and even religious rituals where they are traditionally partnered with bangbang (snacks) or latal (a platter of native dishes).

The characteristically sweet Sulu coffee is grown locally by farmers in the province and is already becoming popular among coffee afficionados due to its unique flavor.

One cooperative, the Kantitap Consumers Cooperative (KCC) aims to bring Qahwa Sug beyond local markets and into global acclaim.

With this in mind, KCC applied for support from DA-PRDP under the I-REAP or enterprise development component for support to expand their production of premiere fine Sulu Robusta coffee. The “Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise” subproject will include facilities and machineries to help increase their coffee output and enlarge their current market.

According to KCC chairperson Abdulmutalib Hadjiron, the cooperative has big plans to help boost the coffee industry in Sulu.

“We have a lot of challenges with our current situation that is why we are seeking help from the government,” said Hadjiron. “We hope that through this project proposal with DA-PRDP, we can obtain a processing building, additional processing machineries and equipment, a delivery vehicle, and additional capital.” He adds that should the project push through, the group can double their production and benefit more coffee farmers in Sulu.

A team from RPCO MAFAR-BARMM recently

visited the cooperative to conduct an enterprise assessment, training needs assessments, and orientation on PRDP processes to prepare them for the start of their project.

The team also conducted a public consultation with different coffee stakeholders in the province to discuss possible future projects with DA-PRDP.

KCC placed among the top 5 in beans quality scoring for premium Robusta at the Philippine Coffee Expo last September 14-15 where they competed with other premium coffee producers all over the country.

Aside from enterprise subproject with KCC, the Province of Sulu also has two infrastructure subprojects with DA-PRDP in the Municipality of Lugus in the already completed “Concreting of Barangay Parian Kayawan- Pait-Rugasan-Kutah Parang - Mantan Farm to Market Road” and the on-going “Construction of Parian Kayawan Warehouse with Solar Dryer”.

Years before, the smell of gunpowder permeated the air in Sulu. Today, the province is filled with the sweet aroma of coffee, and with it the promise of peace and progress.

RPCO 12 PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON INFRA SP PREPARATION

by :Carl Ulysses Aguillon

One of the good practices of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) is ensuring that project proposals are in line with their standards.

Recently, the Regional Project Coordination Office XII facilitated the Joint Technical Review and Technical Assistance to Local Government Units (LGUs) in the review of Documents in Koronadal City.

This activity aimed to assist five LGUs in Region XII with proposals for the infrastructure portfolio of PRDP.

Consultants from the RPCO XII, Project Support Office Mindanao and National Project Coordination Office XII provided technical assistance to proponent LGUs of Sarangani, Kidapawan, Antipas, Isulan and Lambayong.

These proponents have a total of 17 infrastructure subproject proposals amounting to 1.2-Billion Pesos consisting of farm-to-market roads, potable water systems, slaughterhouse, and warehouses and dryer to be funded under PRDP Scale Up.

Engineer Roy Abaya, the PRDP I-BUILD or infrastructure development component national alternate head, said that documents like the program of works (POW) and economic and financial analysis (EFA) must be polished ahead of the deadline.

“In order for you to fully pass with the standards of PRDP and beat the deadline, your significant document requirement like POW and EFA, must refined… that is why we are extending this technical assistance workshop,” Abaya noted.

He also urged the LGUs to abide with the agreements and timeline of compliance to avoid delays.

The crafters of the proposals and the technical teams of each proponent group presented

their outputs and were reviewed by the pool of consultants from PRDP.

Aside from their POW and EFA, the team also went over with their deed of donation, detailed engineering design, feasibility study, and other important documents which part of the requirements for subproject approval.

Cheryl Cawagas, the City Planning, Monitoring, and Implementing Unit focal person of Kidapawan City, expressed her gratitude with PRDP for the technical assistance rendered for them.

“From the very start, PRDP consultants aided us in the compliance of the requirements since the process is so tedious,” she said.

Cawagas also added that even though the project is implementing a stricter rules compared with other implementing agencies, the preparation made easier with activities like the joint technical review.

| RPCO 12

Technical staff from Sarangani, Kidapawan, Antipas, Isulan, and Lambong take part in the joint technical review. (Photo by RPCO 12)

RPCO 10 CONDUCTS TECH REVIEW ON INFRA SP PROPOSALS

by : Isabela Agawin | RPCO 10

Atotal of P1.74 billion worth of infrastructure subproject proposals underwent a Joint Technical Review (JTR) with the Department of Agriculture Rural Development Project 10 on January 16-20, 2023.

These subprojects are to be implemented under the I-BUILD component which is the infrastructure development component of DA-PRDP.

In his message, DA-10 OIC - Regional Executive Director and Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (RPCO) 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado encouraged the participants to make the most of the activity to enhance and refine their project proposals which will undergo further review and approval by the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB).

“I am urging everyone to fast-track the preparation of the documentary requirements for these subprojects,” Collado said. “The approval of your proposals depends on how responsive you are in complying with the needed documents. We are all willing to assist you in polishing your proposals until they are approved.”

The subprojects under review are the following:

1. 9.7 km Concreting of Sepac-SalimponoCapundag-Ventura FMR w/ bridge worth Php 232,203,000.00 (Sapanga Dalaga, Mis.Occ)

2. 11.16 km Concreting of Tipan-Binuangan-SenoteClain Settlement FMR worth Php 200,000,000.00 (Oroquieta City, Mis. Occ)

3. 9.87 km Concreting of Mohon-Camanucan-San Juan FMR worth Php 197,400,000.00 (Panaon, Mis. Occ)

4. 12.32 km Concreting of Panalsalan - CartagenaLuzaran - Damapalan - Macalibre Alto FMR worth Php 104,820,000.00 (Misamis Occidental)

5. 13.11 km Concreting of Sinara Bajo - Sinara AltoDinas - Katipunan FMR worth Php 200,197,154.40 (Misamis Occidental)

6. 12.6 km Concreting of Poblacion-ConcepcionNew Eden-Portulin FMR amounting to Php 221M

(Pangantucan, Bukidnon)

7. 12.08 km Rehabilitiation and Concreting of Sumalsag-Comocomo-Mindagat-Lumbatan FMR worth Php 200M (Malitbog, Bukidnon)

8. 9.46 km Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road w/ Drainage at Sitio Cacawon, Kulasihan to Purok 2 Kangay, Capitan Juan to Purok 4 to Purok 5 Katiguman to Purok 6 Pinamanguhan, Capitan Juan to 6.516 km Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road with Drainage at Balila Proper to Sitio Gahub to Purok 5 Kaatuan with a length of worth Php 133,327,268.80 (Lantapan, Bukidnon)

9. 4.736 km is the Concreting of Mabuhay-San Isidro Upper Pendulonan-Tenazas-Dao FMR amounting to Php 100M (Lala, Lanao del Norte)

10. Construction of Warehouse with Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) worth Php 11M (Brgy. Andil, Lala, LDN)

11. Construction of Warehouse with Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) worth Php 11M (Brgy. Abaga, Lala, LDN)

12. Construction of Warehouse with Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) worth Php 11M (Brgy. Rebe, Lala, LDN)

13.

• Construction of Warehouse with Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) with cold storage

worth Php 11M (Brgy. Lala Proper, Lala, LDN)

14. • Construction of Warehouse and Solar Dryer worth Php 11M (Brgy. Pendulunan, Lala, LDN)

15. • Construction of Double “A” Slaughterhouse with Cold Storage worth Php 90M (Misamis Occidental)

16. • Construction of Double “A” Slaughterhouse with Cold Storage worth Php 59M (Don Carlos, Bukidnon)

Joint technical reviews are conducted to find out the readiness of subproject proposals in compliance with the documentary requirements and standards set by the World Bank.

The review also aims to help improve the proposals to qualify for the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) review and approval.

The proposals are expected to be reviewed and approved by the RPAB in February 2023 and project implementation to commence in the succeeding months.

The JTR is participated by the proponent local government units and the components/units of RPCO 10 and is virtually assisted by concerned units and components from the National Project Coordinating Office and Project Support Office of Mindanao.

RPCO 10 Project Director and DA-10 Regioal Executive Dir. shows support in the conduct of the JTR to ensure that all documents pass all the necessary requirements set by DA-PRDP

Bringing Sulu Seaweed Farming Back to the Limelight

by : Joy Montecalvo | PSO Mindanao

Local seaweed farming has been facing many challenges such as poor quality seedstock, disease and the rampant use of fertilizers. Seaweeds farmer groups such as the Sharief Mujalla Seaweeds Farmers Associations in Barangay Tumangas face these challenges as they are forced to deal with slow growth rate of seaweed cultivars, higher costs in farming brought about by the additional expense of fertilizers, and ice-ice disease.

Following the promising results of the seaweed propagation project in Tawi-Tawi, the Mindanao State University of Sulu conducted the “Launching and Knowledge Sharing of Best Practices in Seaweeds Farming System” in collaboration with Mindanao State University Tawi-tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) at the MSU Sulu

Campus in Jolo, Sulu. This collaboration comes after the successful harvesting of MSU-TCTO’s outplanted laboratory grown seaweed stocks from their community sea-based nursery which have been proven to be more resistant to disease and have a superior growth rate.

MSU-Sulu Chancellor Dr. Nagder J. Abdurahman thanked their partners from DA-PRDP, MAFAR BARMM, and MSU-TCTO for responding to their call for support to extend help to the seaweed farmers of Sulu.

“We need to have the noble purpose of improving human lives. So, I would like to thank our partners who are here to change the lives of many people in Sulu and for supporting us on the ground,” said Chancellor Abdurahman. “We see that we really need your support as we strive to lift the economic situation that we have here in the Province of Sulu.”

MSU-TCTO Director for Research Dr. Richard Muallil presented the findings and recommendations

While the rich waters of Sulu have provided a source of income for seaweed farmers in the province, environmental challenges in recent years now threaten their main livelihood.

A young Sulu seaweed farmer shows off their harvest. Seaweed farming is one of the main sources of income for families in the Province of Sulu and is constantly facing threats from disease and the negative effects of the increasing use of inorganic fertilizer. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

based on the outcome of the completed Phase 1 research project on the propagation of laboratory generated seedstocks. The research was funded under DA-PRDP’s I-PLAN Component Subcomponent 1.2 which provides support for training, research, and coordination for different priority commodities.

Dr. Muallil talked about the negative impact of using fertilizers based on their research in Tawi-tawi.

“The rampant use of fertilizers has made seaweeds dependent on fertilizers. Because of this, farmers need to spend additional on fertilizers and instead of simply planting the seaweeds in the sea, they now have to go through a longer process that requires extra effort and manpower on the part of the farmers,” said Dr. Muallil.

By coming up with a more disease resistant variety and by introducing new technologies to farmers like the use of laboratory grown seaweed cultivars accompanied with support to farmers both technical and financial from different line agencies, there is hope yet to resolve the issue on the use of fertilizer.

PSO Mindanao’s I-PLAN Planning Specialist Elden Karl Requilme emphasized the important role of each seaweed stakeholder in addressing the gaps in the value chain of seaweeds.

MSU Sulu College of Fisheries Dean Hji. Ronald Ancheta expressed his gratitude to the support they received.

“We are thankful for this new undertaking with MAFAR BARMM and PRDP PSO Mindanao in line with keeping the peace and development in our province,” said Ancheta. “The seaweed farmers in Sulu are very interested to be part of this seaweed project.”

The knowledge sharing session was attended by seaweed farmers with their barangay officials from Barangay Kulasi, Brgy. Tumangas, Brgy. Kabucan, Brgy. Minis, and Brgy. Batu Ugis. There were also invited guests from Region 9 from the MASEPLA Association, and representatives from Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology who were also able to share their experiences and best practices on seaweed farming. MSU Sulu showed full support to the activity with officials, students, faculty and staff also in attendance.

To further support the improvement of seaweed farming in the province, DA-PRDP funded MSU Sulu’s own study on seaweed under DA-PRDP’s I-PLAN Subcomponent 1.2.

According to project leader and MSU Sulu College of Fisheries Dean Ronald A. Ancheta, the aim of the study, “Socio-Economic Assessment of Seaweed

Farmers, Outplanting and Replication of Kappaphycus alvarezii and Eucheumatoid denticulatum of Tawitawi Variety in Sulu Water Conditions” is to come up with a profile of seaweed farming in Sulu including baseline data on the socio-cultural and economic

conditions, and existing seaweed practices of local farmers.

The study will also look into the growth performance and production of selected seaweed varieties cultured in different methods and habitat as well as its water quality. Prior to this, a series of validations and project site visits were conducted last year that led to the selection of seaweed farmer beneficiaries which include the Sharied Mujalla Seaweeds Farmers Association from the Municipality of Pa-rang together with other associations in the Municipalities of Panglima Tahil and Maimbung.

Under their convergence platform, DA-PRDP has been partnering with various state universities and colleges implementing R&D projects across Mindanao. Through this, DA-PRDP is able to gather all the stakeholders of a particular commodity and ensure that all interventions and support from different government agencies and private sectors are synchronized.

With the support from the convergence of different agencies, seaweed farmers and MSU Sulu look forward to seeing the seaweed industry in Sulu get back in the limelight once again.

Sharied Mujalla Seaweeds Farmers Association poses with partners from DA-PRDP, MSU TCTO and MSU Sulu. The seaweed association will be one of the seaweed groups from Municipality of Parang that will participate in the research project of MSU Sulu. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

MSU TCTO Training Specialist Roger Irilis (left) discusses the negative effects of inorganic fertilizer on the environment and the quality of seaweed. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

MSU-TCTO Director for Research Dr. Richard Muallil (Photo by PSO Mindanao).

I-REAP HARMONIZES OPERATIONS FOR 2023

by : Nichole Talatala | RPCO 13

In sync and aligned, not separate. This was the goal envisioned for I-REAP by Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) National Deputy Project Director Shandy M. Hubilla during the 22nd National I-REAP Coordination Meeting and Project Implementation Review and Workshop.

In pursuit of this goal, I-REAP National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) resumed the activity with workshops aimed at aligning the component towards shared goals, including a workshop on the Harmonization of 2023 Activities and Target Setting

for Mainstreaming and a workshop on each cluster’s Performance Evaluation Profiles (PEP) Targets for 2023.

Throughout the third day of the four-day activity, emphasis was placed on the shift from a Proponent Group-centered approach to a Clusterbased approach, as well as the need to mainstream I-REAP processes and tools into Department of

Agriculture (DA) regular operations, particularly in the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Mainstreaming, described by NPCO I-REAP Alternate Component Head Leny G. Pecson as a ‘fluid and dynamic’ process, was also discussed in length by NPCO Senior Institutional Development Specialist Renato P. Manantan.

RPCO 13 CONDUCTS WORKSHOP ON ECONOMIC & FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

by

Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO)

XIII’s I-REAP component starts the year off strong with its first mainstreaming activity. Launching off of the directive to mainstream PRDP processes, the component conducted a Training Workshop on Economic and Financial Analysis (EFA) in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte from January 17 – 20, 2023.

The training-workshop aims to capacitate staff from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) XIII’s operating units, banner programs, and special projects, as well as partner LGUs, including staff from Municipal Project Management and Implementing Units (MPMIU), City Project Management and Implementing Units (CPMIU), and Provincial Project Management and Implementing Units (PPMIU).

RPCO XIII I-REAP Component Head Ms. Lynn

A. Pareñas emphasized the role the EFA plays in ensuring projects are financially viable, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining sustainability within the component. She also underscored the nature of mainstreaming as a dynamic, two-way process wherein both parties mutually learn from each other.

In order to effectively mainstream the EFA, lectures are followed by hands-on workshops. The first day of the four-day activity covered the financial assumptions and production schedules in Financial Analysis Formulation, facilitated by Project Support Office (PSO) Mindanao’s Business Development Officer Ms. Lellith S. Garcia.

Over the course of the activity, participants will be trained in Financial Analysis Formulation, computation of the economic cost of a subproject, savings in output hauling, and reduction in transport losses, among others.

: Nichole Talatala | RPCO 13

RPCO 13 I-REAP Head Lynn Pareñas leads the lecture and workshop on EFA. (Photo by RPCO 13)

MAFAR PRDP BREAKS GROUND ON TANDUBAS INFRA SUBPROJECTS

by : Naima Mamisel | RPCO BARMM

Farmers and fisherfolk in Tandubas will soon benefit from improved agricultural productivity after the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform - Philippine Rural Development Project - Regional Project Coordination Office BARMM broke ground on the construction of five infrastructure projects in the municipality on January 16, 2023.

Deputy Project Director Ammal D. Solaiman, JD, and Municipal Mayor of Tandubas, Hon. AlShahid A. Salih led the groundbreaking ceremony for the infrastructure projects, specifically the “Construction of Sallangan Potable Water System Level II”, “Construction of Kepeng Warehouse with Solar Dryer”, “Construction of Kepeng Fish Landing with Concrete Footbridge”, “Construction of Tongbangkaw Fish Landing”, and “Construction of Tapian Sokah Footbridge”. These projects will be implemented under PRDP’s IBUILD component and are funded under PRDP’s Second Additional Financing and European Union Co-financing Grant (AF2-EU).

Municipal Mayor of Tandubas Hon. Al-Shahid Salih expressed his gratitude to MAFAR and PRDP for approving the proposed projects which will help increase the economic growth of the farmers and fisherfolk in their community.

“Rest assured that the LGU Tandubas will be closely monitoring the implementation of the project to make it beneficial for our farmers and fisherfolks,” Mayor Salih said.

Aside from the increase in economic growth, the

residents in Tandubas are looking forward to having access to safe water through the potable water system level II (PWS 2).

RPCO BARMM Deputy Project Director Ammal Solaiman commended the Municipal Local Government Unit of Tandubas for their active performance in complying with all the eligibility requirements prescribed by PRDP projects.

“We are looking forward to more partnerships

for the economic development of Tandubas, and I pray to Allah (S.W.T) that at the end of the day, all our efforts will be benefited to us as good deeds,” Solaiman said.

Also present at the groundbreaking were PSO Mindanao’s IBUILD head Engr. Ma. Fe Gabunales, MAFAR Provincial Director of Tawi-Tawi Aidarus I. Nami, and the Municipal Engineer of Tandubas Engr. Jalalie J. Mustapha.

LGU Officials, RPCO BARMM, and PSO Mindanao representatives lead the ceremonial ground breaking in one of the project sites in Municipality of Tandubas (Photos by LGU Tandubas)

DAVAO PGS RECEIVE FIRST TRANCHE AF2-EU SUPPORT

by :Joy Montecalvo | PSO Min

Two proponent groups from the province of Davao del Sur and Davao de Oro take the first steps of their subproject implementation with checks for the first tranche of AF2-EU support DA-PRDP.

Sitio Alo Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (SAFAMCO) personally received the check for the implementation of the Rubber Cup Lump Consolidation and Marketing Enterprise at PSO Mindanao Office, Davao City on January 25, 2023.

SAFAMCO thanked DA-PRDP as they officially received the first tranche of support which marked the start of bigger and better things for the cooperative. They aim to expand its operation and become the main consolidator and marketer of rubber cup lumps in Davao del Sur and the entire Davao region. Through this support, SAFAMCO hopes to help more rubber farmers find a secure market for their harvest with a better than market price.

Meanwhile, the Semco Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (SARBECO) received the first tranche of support from DA-PRDP for the “Cardava Banana Consolidation and Marketing Enterprise” subproject under the enterprise development component or I-REAP.

The two subprojects will be funded under the Second Additional Financing and European CoFinancing Grant (AF2-EU).

The support will help the cooperative scale-up their operation enabling them to deliver a larger volume of cardava banana to their institutional buyers. By consolidating fresh cardava from other producers, they provide a sure market and increase of income for banana farmers in Davao de Oro.

(From Left) Finance Unit Head Christian Xerxis Hernandez leads the check turn over with I-REAP BDO Lillith Garcia, SARBECO OIC Manager Chezza Mae Gutang, Project Accountant Marypaz Ramirez, IREAP Component Head Ronnie John Yulo, RPCO 11 BDO Jocelyn Balmira, IREAP PDA Legie Marie Pedregosa, and Enterprise Devt & Marketing Specialist Cherrilyn Baylon. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

The check was turned over to SAFAMCO officers by PSO Mindanao Finance Unit Head Christian Xerxis Hernandez, with Finance Specialist Christopher Laurence Landig, Procurement Unit Head Mary Nor Gonzales, and RPCO 11 BDO Kathleen Grace A. Ricablanca. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

Finance Unit Head Christian Xerxis Hernandez gives a short orientation and briefing to the officers of SAFAMCO regarding finance and procurement. (Photo by PSO Mindanao)

With the close of 2022, PRDP Mindanao ends on a high as the groundwork to bring more interventions to farmers and fisherfolk in rural communities in the coming years gains traction.

While the years leading up to the height of the global COVID 19 pandemic have somewhat slowed down the momentum of rural development by PRDP Mindanao, the gradual opening up of the economy in 2022 has seen the Cluster get back on track in terms of delivering on their target objectives.

The innovations that have been developed and adopted by PRDP as a result of the constraints brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in the maximized use of digital platforms especially internet-based applications to compensate for the limitations on mobility and physical transactions. Some of these such as the increased dependence on applied geotagging tools for monitoring, the use of on-line forms, webbased meetings and others have shown new ways of Project implementation throughout the island group.

The easing off of restrictions on travel and physical gatherings in 2022 allowed PRDP to increase their engagements with their stakeholders forging new partnerships and connections as a result.

PRDP Mindanao participated in two successive trade expos in the latter half of 2022 with the Philippine Coffee Expo in September and the Cacao Congress in November. These expos allowed PRDP Mindanao to meet with other stakeholders and industry leaders for coffee and cacao and link up their partner cooperatives to industry buyers to open up trade agreements in the future. In particular, the participation in the Philippine Coffee Expo strengthened private sector partnerships with Nestle, Equilibrium as well in the regional and provincial coffee councils such as in Sultan Kudarat.

Under their planning component, the Mindanao

Cluster was able to craft thirty-six (36) approved value chain analysis (VCAs) which in turn have resulted to thirty-three (33) commodity investment plans used by local government units for the leveraging of their resources. These have resulted in PhP 72 billion worth of investments generated throughout Mindanao in both PRDP funded and non-PRDP funded projects.

Additionally, PhP 36.6 million worth of investments were made in support of the implementation of the of Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (AFMP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA). The convergence initiatives under I-PLAN subcomponent 1.2 have resulted in developments in Region 9 with the rubber profiling and database in partnership with the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI); in Region 11 with the Whiteleg Shrimp vulnerability study with Davao Oriental State University and trainings on feed formulation and others with BFAR 11; in Region 12 with the coffee profiling project with Sultan Kudarat

by : Joseph John Palarca | PSO Mindanao

Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban poses with PRDP Mindanao Project Director Abel James Monteagudo, RPCO 11 Deputy Project Director Marila Corpuz, and partner cacao cooperatives at the PRDP Mindanao booth at the Cacao Congress. (Photo by Leonard Asuque)

Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban (center) with Asec. Kristine Evangelist (left) and PRDP Deputy Project Director Shandy Hubilla (right) visit the PRDP Mindanao booth for cacao proponent groups at the Cacao Congress. (Photo by Leonard Asuque)

A worker at the Rehoboth Agriculture Cooperative Chocolate Processing Center.

as well as the K.A.P.E. training with Sultan Kudarat State University and Nestle; and in BARMM with the dissemination of seaweed technology and nursery establishment in Sulu.

On infrastructure development, PRDP Mindanao was able to complete one hundred seventy-eight (178) subprojects at a total cost of PhP 9.34 billion. In addition to these, eighty-five (85) more subprojects totaling PhP3.85 billion are currently in different stages of preparation for immediate implementation under the Second Additional Financing and European Union Co-financing Grant (AF2-EU)

On enterprise development, PRDP Mindanao was able to complete ninety-nine (99) subprojects with a total cost of PhP457.7 million. For 2023, forty-nine (49) additional subprojects are currently in different stages of implementation which when completed will be equivalent to PhP524.97 million in enterprise support throughout Mindanao.

With the Second Additional Financing and European Union Co-financing Grant, farmers and fisherfolk in Mindanao can look forward to more interventions to help increase their incomes and productivity.

PRDP Mindanao currently has forty-six (46) approved subprojects worth PhP2.53 billion to be funded under the Second Financing and another nine (9) subprojects worth PhP155.6 million all of

PRDP TRAINS BARMM LGUS, CONTRACTORS ON TOOLS & PROCESSES

by : Joy Montecalvo | PSO Mindanao

Every project implemented by DA-PRDP is required to undergo thorough preparation and evaluation using its existing science-based tools and processes.

This includes the Applied Geotagging Tool (AGT) which is used in all cycles of the subproject from

which are in different stages of preparation and implementation. Moreover, with the upcoming implementation of more World Bank funded projects in Mindanao in the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) and the PRDP Scale-Up, the future is looking bright

for agriculture and fisheries in Mindanao as PRDP Mindanao gains back its momentum in 2022, continuing in its mandate of enabling communities and expanding opportunities in rural communities in Mindanao.

preparation, implementation, monitoring, and postimplementation monitoring.

The use of this tool has prevented the duplication or overlapping of subprojects in the same location which results in better prioritization of subprojects, and in transparency in subproject implementation.

To maintain and enhance the geomapping

systems and AGT capacities of their staff, a training/ workshop and updating activity was conducted by RPCO BARMM Geotagging and Governance Unit (GGU) in Zamboanga City on January 26, 2023.

This activity was initiated to capacitate local government units and contractors, especially newly hired technical staff, on the use and functions of the geo-tagging tool. A knowledge sharing and mainstreaming activity was also conducted where the participants discussed GGU guidelines & protocols, including the proposed update for the system and directions for the unit for this 2023. A series of tutorials on the use of PRDP Camera Apps, RIA Digitization, E-VSA, and Introduction to QGIS will also be conducted during the three-day activity.

In his message, MAFAR BARMM Director on Agriculture Services and RPCO BARMM GGU Head Engr. Ismail A. Guiamel thanked all the participants for allotting their entire week to attend the training and workshop of GGU. He encouraged everyone to maximize the use of the geotagging tools not only in monitoring PRDP subprojects but also to other projects of the LGU as well.

The resource speakers for the said activity were RPCO BARMM GIS Data Officer Suharto H. Dalig, PSO Mindanao GIS Data Officer Jovito L. Liberato, and GIS Data Specialist Jun M. Payopelin.

Training participants pose with the PRDP & MAFAR BARMM team. (From Left/ Front) RPCO BARMM GIS Data Officer Suharto H. Dalig, PSO Mindanao GIS Data Officer Jovito L. Liberato, GIS Data Specialist Jun M. Payopelin, and PDA Raimah Amba with participants from the Municipality of Tandubas, South Ubian, Simunul, Province of Tawi-tawi, and Lamitan, Basilan.

DA-PRDP, WB KICK OFF PREPARATION MISSION FOR PRDP SCALE-UP

by : NPCO

The Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) and the World Bank (WB) held the kickoff meeting for the PRDP Scale-Up Preparation Mission today, January 19, 2022, at the 4th floor DA Conference Room, DA New Building in Quezon City.

The two-week long Preparation Mission aims to finalize the project development objectives, the components’ scope and design, institutional and implementation arrangements, and costing for the PRDP Scale-Up. The Bank will also conduct a series of technical discussions with the components to finalize the project documents, such as the Project Operations Manual (POM).

DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban underscored the importance of this mission as the DA-PRDP firms up the design, methodologies, and strategies of the PRDP Scale-Up. “As a flagship project by the current administration, PRDP ScaleUp is expected to positively tip the balance in addressing gaps and improve the efficiency in the commodity value chains. PRDP Scale-Up will spell the development gains that we wish to attain in the coming years building on the positive transformations obtained in the original PRDP,” Usec. Panganiban said.

On the part of the Bank, Task Team Leader to the PRDP Mio Takada commended the team for the speedy progress of the PRDP Scale-Up. “This project is really moving so fast—lightning speed. This is amazing and very impressive so I really respect all of you. Thank you so much,” Takada expressed.

In addition, Takada also conveyed the remarks of the WB management on how the PRDP is going to be

EDITORIAL BOARD

Consultants/Technical Advisers

Abel James I. Monteagudo

Project Director

Noel T. Provido

Deputy Project Director

Joseph John A. Palarca, DVM

Editor-in-Chief / Layout Editor

Joy M. Montecalvo

Managing Editor

Leonard John H. Asuque

Graphic Artist / Photographer

scaled up and how it can be a platform for agricultural transformation, posing it as a challenge for the team to address at the end of the mission.

WB Institutional Strengthening Specialist Ana Pinto-Hebert also presented her initial assessment and findings, and recommended next steps for institutional arrangements for PRDP Scale-Up. She presented four key points: (1) Strengthening of LGUs;

(2) Harmonizing requirements to be followed by LGUs; (3) Clarify complaints handling; and (4) Update ongoing procurements, funds handling, contract

Contributors (RPCO InfoACE Focals)

Yvette T. Avellaneda

Region 9 RAFIS Chief

Mary Grace B. Sta. Elena

RPCO 10 InfoACE Focal

Elizabeth C. Torio

Region 11 RAFIS Chief

Edgar Allan Pasaol

Region 12 RAFIS Chief

Emmylou T. Presilda

Region 13 RAFIS Chief

management, and monitoring processes.

The kick-off meeting concluded with a discussion on the project development objectives led by WB M&E and Planning Specialist Cesar Umali Jr.

The proposed PRDP Scale-Up is set to introduce a more holistic design and strategies by looking at a broader agri-food/commodity system to address the gaps in the whole value chains, level up approaches and innovations based on lessons learned from PRDP Phase 1, contribute to improving climate resilience and modernize the agriculture and fisheries sector.

PRDP inFOCUS is the official publication of the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Mindanao Cluster.

For comments, suggestions and article contributions, email us at: infoaceteam@gmail.com

prdp.da.gov.ph prdpminpso prdp_mindanao

PRDP Mindanao

DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban and PRDP National Project Director Asec. Arnel V. De Mesa lead the discussions during the kick-off meeting. (Photo by NPCO)

The World Bank Team (from left to right): Task Team Leader Mio Takada, Co-Task Team Leader Teresa Quiñones, Ana Pinto-Hebert, Tomas Sta. Maria, Agnes Dehornes, Douglas Forno, Paula Beatrice Macandog, Raoul Azanza (Photo by NPCO)