DA-13 trains proponent groups on tuna subproject procurement
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -- As 2024 concluded, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in the Caraga region hosted a training-workshop on World Bank Harmonized Procurement Guidelines in Bislig City. This initiative highlighted the national administration's ongoing commitment to fostering rural development and economic progress by equipping grassroots organizations with the skills to navigate intricate procurement processes effectively.
Led by DA-PRDP Caraga’s Procurement Unit, the workshop was specifically designed for proponent groups (PGs) involved in implementing projects under the PRDP Scale-Up initiative. Among the key participants was the Mangagoy Farmers Fisherfolk and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFFISCO-MPC), chosen to implement the region’s first approved enterprise subproject under PRDP Scale-Up — the Tuna Consolidation and Marketing with Cold Chain Facilities.
With a total funding of P242 million, the project is a landmark for Caraga, addressing critical bottlenecks in the tuna industry through the establishment of cold chain facilities, including an ice plant and cold storage. This infrastructure is poised to preserve the quality of tuna products, enhance processing efficiency, and open up opportunities for small-scale fisherfolk in the region.
This initiative, which is under the national administration, reflected a shared vision for sustainable growth. MAFFISCO-MPC was equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle procurement aligned with World Bank standards, laying the groundwork for the success of high-impact projects that uplift rural communities.
The training covered a comprehensive range of topics, including guidelines for works and goods procurement, roles and responsibilities, bid evaluation report requirements, and compliance with Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. The recent issuance of the No Objection Letter (NOL) 1 also ensured MAFFISCO-MPC’s readiness to proceed to the procurement stage.
The significance of the subproject on tuna consolidation and marketing extends beyond Bislig City, as highlighted by Lynn A. PareΓ±as, I-REAP 13 component head. “This project is a milestone not only for Surigao del Sur but also for the Caraga region. It supports inter-provincial collaboration, ensuring opportunities for small fisherfolk while promoting sustainable industry practices.”
Rho Cougee C. Garrido, general manager of MAFFISCO-MPC, expressed optimism, stating, “We hope this subproject becomes a catalyst for the development of Bislig City’s tuna industry, benefiting the entire province and the Caraga region.”
The subproject’s approval was secured through the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB), chaired by DA Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen, which oversees the evaluation and approval of all PRDP subprojects. The milestone reflected the administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable rural development, positioning the Caraga region as a hub for economic growth and innovation. (Photo courtesy of DA-PRDP Caraga/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
