DA-WB assess 17th PRDP, scale-up project progress

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the World Bank (WB) have embarked on a crucial 17th WB Implementation Support Mission (ISM) to evaluate the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) and the 2nd WB ISM for the PRDP Scale-Up.

From April 22 to May 9, 2024, this comprehensive review will gauge the overall implementation and advancement of these pivotal projects, according to a DA press release.

Under the leadership of DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and WB Country Manager Ndiame Diope, the assessment will scrutinize the projects’ adherence to prior commitments, scrutinize financial management, and review procurement processes.

It will also examine investments under the European Union Grant and the execution of the Institutional Strengthening Action Plan.

The mission kicks off with an opening meeting and the inauguration of the DA-PRDP Exhibit at the DA Central Office in Quezon City, displaying a decade of the PRDP’s transformative impact on rural enterprises.

Technical discussions slated for April 23-26 will address critical aspects such as financial management, knowledge dissemination, subproject evaluation, and the integration of innovative practices within the PRDP framework.

Field visits to I-REAP and I-BUILD subprojects (SPs) in the Visayas and Mindanao are scheduled for the second week, offering firsthand insight into the project executions and fostering interaction with local governments and stakeholders. The mission will encompass seven SPs—four in Bohol and three in the Davao Region.

The DA’s push for modernization will be evidenced through a digital solutions roundtable on May 7-8, engaging agri-tech and fintech enterprises to digitize PRDP’s business ventures and fortify public-private partnerships.

Concluding on May 9, the WB will outline its observations, suggestions, and assign an overall performance grade during a wrap-up meeting. These biannual ISMs are integral in ensuring that WB-assisted projects meet their developmental objectives efficiently and effectively.