Caraga RPMC launches award for project implementing agencies
By Ian G. Miculob
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 24 -- The Caraga Regional Project Monitoring
Committee (RPMC) virtually launched the first Search for Outstanding Project Implementing
Agency (SOPIA) in the region on 17 September 2020, participated by national
government agencies, local government units, academe, and the private sector.
“We have noted that very few recognitions, if ever there were some, were
awarded or conferred to regional line agencies for efficiently and effectively
implementing programs and projects,” Atty. Bonifacio G. Uy, RPMC chairperson
and regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
Caraga, said as he opened the virtual launching activity.
Emphasizing the importance of monitoring and evaluation, Engr. Epimaco
M. Galero Jr., co-chairperson of the Caraga Regional Development Committee
(RDC) and private sector representative for the Logistics Sector, pointed out
that there is a need to ensure that the interventions fulfill the expected
results, and that there is a strong case to increase the use of evidence-based
information in decision-making especially in these challenging times.
“One of the government’s recovery plan is to accelerate countryside
development, connectivity, and job generation through infrastructure program,”
explained OIC-Regional Director Jenneth C. Partosa of the Department of Budget
and Management and co-chairperson of the Caraga RPMC.
She added that the SOPIA is a way of ensuring that interventions in the
region are completed effectively and efficiently in order to support recovery
and our goal of becoming the Fishery, Agro-forestry, Mineral and Eco-tourism
(F.A.M.E.) Center of the Philippines.
The launching of SOPIA also signals the start of submission of entries
until 30 September 2020, with the following eligibility requirements: a) The
project must be implemented in the region with a duration of not less than six
months; b) Multi-year or one-year implemented project may be included as long
as it commenced and was completed within the implementation period from CY 2018
to CY 2020; c) Project cost is more than or equal to P5 million; d) The
implementing agency must be a regional office in the Caraga Region regardless
of fund source (regional or downloaded from central office); e) The project
must have complete and timely project reports, such as monthly/quarterly
physical and financial reports in the Regional Project Monitoring and
Evaluation System format; and f) Must adhere to the Harmonized Gender and
Development Guidelines on Project Development, Implementation, Monitoring, and
Evaluation (PDIME) of the NEDA, Philippine Commission on Women and ODA-GAD
Network.
The winners will be recognized during the 4th Quarter Caraga Development
Council Meeting and will receive the following: P50,000 and a plaque for the
1st prize; P25,000 and a plaque for the 2nd prize; and P10,000 and a plaque for
the 3rd Prize. Special citations will also be awarded to shortlisted nominees.
Following the SOPIA Virtual Launching, the RPMC discussed the issues on the FishCORAL implementation in the region, the Umayam River Irrigation Project, and the Problem-Solving Session on the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge, and the regular reports of the Local Project Monitoring Committees during its 3rd Quarter 2020 Teleconference Meeting. (NEDA Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
