๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ค ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐-๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ
In a significant step towards boosting regional development, three local government units (LGUs) in Region 12 today signed an Implementation Management Agreement (IMA) with the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).
The agreement paves the way for the implementation of three vital farm-to-market road (FMR) subprojects aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and supporting local agricultural growth.
The signing ceremony, which took place in South Cotabato, was attended by the DA-PRDP Project Support Office (PSO) Mindanao Project Director Macario D. Gonzaga, Deputy Project Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA and the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) 12 Project Director Roberto T. Perales and Deputy Project Director Engr. Abraham A. Onotan, along with the local chief executives of the three municipalities involved.
The IMA covers three critical farm-to-market road projects the Concreting of the Prk. Kalyong-Bukay Eel-Guaza-Buluan-Bato-Paradise, Landan FMR in Polomolok, South Cotabato, Concreting of San Isidro-Buto FMR with Bridge in Tampakan, South Cotabato, and Concreting of Greenhill-Camasi FMR in President Roxas, Cotabato.
These infrastructure projects are expected to enhance connectivity, reduce transportation costs, and provide farmers with better access to markets, ultimately contributing to the economic development of the region.
The signing of the IMA formalizes the collaborative efforts of the DA-PRDP, local government units, and stakeholders to ensure the timely and efficient execution of these infrastructure projects. It outlines key details, including project timelines, schedules for fund releases, and liquidations for both the I-REAP and I-BUILD subprojects.
During the ceremony, PSO Mindanao Project Director Macario D. Gonzaga assured the public that the DA-PRDP team is fully committed to assisting the LGUs in ensuring that the projects meet their deadlines.
โWe are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that these subprojects are completed on time,โ Gonzaga emphasized. โ Our technical team from the PSO and RPCO will continuously provide the necessary assistance to deliver the highest standards of quality and efficiency .โ
Project Director of PSO Mindanao Carlene C. Collado, CPA, also highlighted the importance of streamlining the signing process.
โBringing together all key signatories in one venue helps us accelerate project documentation, ensuring that we can move forward quickly and efficiently,โ Collado said.
The signing ceremony also underscored the collaborative efforts of the local government units.
The following local chief executives were present during the IMA signing, Polomolok Mayor Bernie D. Palencia, Tampakan Mayor Leonard T. Escobillo, and President Roxas Mayor Ronald P. Dandasan.
These projects are expected to bring tangible benefits to local communities, improving the livelihoods of farmers and facilitating faster access to markets for agricultural products.
The successful signing of the IMA represents a major milestone in the DA-PRDPโs goal of enhancing rural infrastructure and supporting agricultural development across Mindanao under its new flagship program the PRDP Scale-Up. As the projects move forward, local officials and stakeholders are optimistic that these improvements will foster long-term growth in the region’s agricultural sector. (Joy M. Montecalvo, PSO Mindanao | Photos by Economist Imma Camille Requilme)