The Department of Agriculture RFO XII through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) in collaboration with the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), as the DA Constructors’ Performance Evaluation System Implementing Unit (CPES-IU), conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the three ongoing agricultural infrastructure projects in Region XII on March 3-7, 2025.
The CPES team, composed of agricultural engineers from PCAF, Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), and DA Regional Field Offices in CAR, CARAGA, and Region XIII, was led by Engr. Peachie Melendez, Engr. III of PCAF Central Office.
The evaluation process began with an entry conference aimed at clarifying the evaluation criteria, processes, and expectations for the ongoing infrastructure projects. The meeting set the stage for the team to assess two rice processing centers and a farm-to-market road (FMR) project, all designed to improve the agricultural sector in the region.
Rice Processing Center in Makilala, Cotabato
First, the team visited a Rice Processing Center in Brgy. Bulakanon, Makilala, Cotabato, valued at over PhP14 million. This facility plays a crucial role in enhancing local rice production, providing farmers with a more efficient means of processing their harvest. The constructor for this facility obtained a score of 88.89% rating from the CPES evaluators.
Farm-to-Market Road in Maasim, Sarangani Province
The evaluators inspected a 580-meter FMR project in Brgy. Bales, Maasim, Sarangani Province. With a project cost exceeding PhP29 million, the road aims to improve local transportation and support the agricultural sector by providing farmers better access to markets After the evaluation, the constructor received a rating of 95.72% from the evaluators.
Rice Processing Center in Banga, South Cotabato
Lastly, the team assessed another Rice Processing Center in Brgy. Liwanay, Banga, South Cotabato. The PhP17 million project, which includes a warehouse facility, is part of the Department’s broader efforts to strengthen agricultural sector by improving post-harvest storage capabilities. The CPES evaluators awarded the constructor a rating of 85.4%.
The evaluation wrapped up with an Exit Conference on March 7, 2025, where the CPES team presented their findings and observations. DA-RFO XII Regional Executive Director Roberto T. Perales expressed his gratitude to the CPES evaluators, acknowledging their vital role in enhancing the quality and effectiveness of DA projects. He hopes that the CPES evaluators will continue to help the region and their projects in the future.
The CPES evaluators are set to return for a final CPES evaluation once the ongoing projects are completed. Their goal is to ensure that everything meets the required standards and that any necessary improvements have been addressed before the projects are officially turned over to the beneficiaries.