City officials recently mandated the one hundred twenty-eight barangays to deputize engineers and architects within their respective jurisdictions for the preparation of programs of work (POWs) and detailed cost estimates (DCEs) of barangay funded projects via the 20 percent national tax allotment (NTA) to expedite implementation.
Under Resolution No. 026, series of 2024, local legislators stated that before recognition and affiliation, the aforesaid professionals must undergo mandatory registration and orientation by concerned local government offices for them to familiarize themselves on the procedures in the preparation of the required documents for barangay funded projects.
The body asserted that this will ensure a comprehensive grasp of local requirements, regulations, and project expectations aligning them with standards for effective collaboration.
Further, the systematic approach guarantees well-informed and prepared professionals contributing effectively to barangay project supervision and implementation.
The 20 percent NTA, formerly the Internal Revenue Allotment, primarily funds infrastructure projects, the workload for the preparation of the POWs and DCEs, managed by the City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO) or City Engineering Office, currently faces challenges leading to serious delays in barangay project execution and hindering of efficient project management.
The body claimed that to address project delays and expedite barangay initiatives, leveraging local expertise is crucial and involving local engineers and architects leaving or residing within the barangay concerned allow it to enhance efficiency, fostering a self-reliant, community-driven approach.
Moreover, professional fees for engineers and architects will be transparently integrated into project budgets, ensuring informed decision-making and lining expenses with the crucial costs of securing essential expertise in engineering and architecture.
The council emphasized that in addition to their primary roles, these relevant professionals can contribute to the project by preparing the required POWs and DCEs and also to the extent of supervising its implementation that helps ease the burden on the local government, particularly the CBAO or CEO.
The council added that taking into account the unique local challenges and opportunities, the said approach enhances project efficiency and promotes sustainable community development.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the various city barangays and the group of engineers and architects for their information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See