Three major agricultural infrastructure subprojects in the Cordillera region (CAR), amounting to Php860.69 million, are set to enter the bidding phase following approval from the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-Up.
DA Undersecretary for Operations Engr. Roger V. Navarro formally awarded the No Objection Letter (NOL) 1 to the concerned local government units (LGUs) during a ceremony held on February 5, 2025, at the Office of the Secretary in Quezon City.
The awarding ceremony was also attended by key officials from DA-PRDP, including National Project Director Asec. U-Nichols Manalo, National Deputy Project Director Angelita Martir, Project Support Office (PSO) North Luzon Deputy Project Director Elma S. Mananes, CAR Regional Executive Director and Project Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, and DA Region 8 Regional Executive Director Andrew Rodolfo Orais.
The NOL1 certificates were received by Ifugao Provincial Governor Jerry U. Dalipog and Sabangan Municipal Mayor Marcial C. Lawilao Jr. together with their councils.
The approved subprojects include the Improvement of Sabangan Communal Irrigation System (CIS), which has a project cost of Php155.30 million; the Improvement of Caba-Luta-Ponghal-Buyabuyan Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) with Bridge, valued at Php381.97 million; and the Improvement of Sto. Domingo-Namnama-Potia-Halag FMR has been approved with a project cost of Php323.42 million.
Along with these subprojects, two subprojects in the Ilocos region and one in the Visayas cluster were also awarded with NOL 1.
With the issuance of NOL 1, preparatory activities will commence, including orientation sessions for the LGUs on the World Bank Harmonized Procurement Guidelines and the drafting of the Implementation Management Agreement (IMA). The IMA will define specific implementation arrangements, covering fund release timelines and liquidation requirements to ensure transparency and accountability in project execution. ### (Elvy T. Estacio, RPCO CAR InfoACE)