The RDC-CAR Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) chaired by NEDA-CAR Regional Director Susan A. Sumbeling, along with the RPMC inspectorate team, visited major infrastructure projects in Abra on March 13-15, 2023. The projects visited include the repair of the Abra Provincial Hospital under the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Project (HFEP) located in Bangued, with a total cost of ₱7.42 million, the ₱9M pump irrigation projects in San Juan under NIA, three academic school buildings of the Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) with a total cost of ₱87M and the construction of Phases I and II of Madegnac Bridge worth ₱75M in Tineg under DPWH’s Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG).
Other Projects visited in Abra were the Pump Irrigation Projects in San Juan, completed ASIST Boys Dorm in Lagangilang Campus, construction of abutment of Madegnac Bridge in Tineg, Phase I and II of Tinguian-Ilokano Research and Extension Center in ASIST Lagangilang Campus, Inspectorate Team at the Provincial Hospital, and completed ASIST VIT Bldg. in Bangued.
The team paid a courtesy call on Abra Governor Dominic Valera and Vice Governor Maria Jocelyn V. Bernos. Director Sumbeling conveyed to the governor that the RPMC inspection aims to validate the status of projects implemented and facilitate project implementation, particularly those flagged under the RPMC Alert Mechanism.
Among the issues raised were: damages caused by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake and its aftershocks that hit Abra in July 2022, unkempt surroundings, bloated reporting of accomplishments, lack of accessibility features for PWDs, compliance with GAD guidelines, compliance with the fire safety code, and safety issues such as slippery floor tiles along the hallways.
During the problem-solving session and exit conference on March 15, 2023, the stakeholders were enlightened on the RPMC recommendations and next steps to address the project implementation issues to bring the projects back on track. Among the recommendations of the RPMC are: compliance with the national building code, BP 344, D.O 141, occupational safety, and to rectify errors in reporting accomplishments.
Joining the RPMC were James Degsi of DBM, Engr. Jaymar Menardo of DILG, Saddam Baron A. Dela Cruz and Kenneth Marquez of PMS, Simeon Micklay of DENR, Redgie Cawis of PIA, and Private Sector Representatives Arnel Cabanisas, Arch. Joy Hakcholna and Dr. Julie Cabato, Atty. Fritz Turqueza of the Abra Governor’s Office, Santos Bernardez of the Abra Provincial Planning and Development Office, and Abra PMC CSOs.
The Regional Project Monitoring Committee as a support committee to the Cordillera Regional Development Council is mandated to monitor all foreign-assisted, interprovincial, area development, nationally-funded and locally-funded projects, and other projects in the region that are considered critical by the Office of the President and the RDC. By Virginia L. Anceno
