CORDILLERA RPAB APPROVES PHP441-M INFRA PROJECTS FOR DA-PRDP SCALE-UP

May 11, 2025 Community Billboard

BAGUIO CITY

Some Php441 million infrastructure subprojects under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-Up has been approved recently by the Cordillera Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB). In her message, DA CAR Regional Executive Director and RPAB Chair Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan emphasized that the approval of the RPAB marks a critical step toward the
issuance of the No Objection Letter (NOL), which signals the start of procurement activities. With the RPAB’s approval, these subprojects will be endorsed to the DA-PRDP National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) or Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) Cordillera for the issuance of No Objection Letter 1 (NOL1).

With the approval of these new subprojects, RPCO CAR Deputy Project Director Danilo P. Daguio expressed optimism about the continued implementation of rural development efforts, even with the upcoming elections that may bring changes in local leadership. He emphasized that, regardless of the outcome, the initiatives are expected to benefit over 6,000 Cordillerans. Among the approved
subprojects are the Rehabilitation of Puntagguwan-Poblacion Communal Irrigation System (CIS) in Hingyon, Ifugao with an estimated project cost of Php9.77 million (M); the Improvement of Bannit-Nunhabatan-Hapid Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Lamut, Ifugao valued at Php144.26 M; and the Construction of Malamtam-Bitabit-Catao FMR with Bridge in Paracelis, Mountain Province, with a total project cost of Php287 M. Engr. Edwin Camhit, Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) CAR Rural Infrastructure Engineer (RIE),
stated that the MLGU carried out irrigation surveys to ensure proper water flow.

Although the irrigation system has been used since the 1980s, limited resources has hampered repair and maintenance, resulting in
damage that now requires rehabilitation. Upon completion, the irrigated service is seen to expand significantly, from 2.68 to 26.56 hectares. The subproject also ensures a reliable water supply throughout the entire heirloom rice production calendar, helping farmers increase yields and sustain rice sufficiency until the next cropping season. Meanwhile, the Improvement of the 6.62- kilometer Bannit–Nunhabatan– Hapid FMR in Lamut, Ifugao, will cover Barangays Payawan and Hapid—two of the municipality’s largest barangays. The road improvement will directly benefit 796 households, serving 2,956 individuals (1,698 male and 1,258 female) within its influence areas.

During the deliberation, DPWH Planning and Design Division Chief Engr. Arnold Dacwag highlighted the need to enhance the slope protection design of the subproject to prevent erosion in the upper area which was supported by Abance, who echoed the need for preventive measures. The road improvement will directly benefit 876 households, serving 3,399 individuals (1,803 male and 1,596 female) within its influence areas. Once completed, the subproject is expected to improve access to education, healthcare, and essential services, significantly uplifting the quality of life in the area.

Elvy T. Estacio (RPCO CAR InfoACE Unit)