DA-PRDP 10 hosts a nationwide forum and assessment with partner local government units for the implementation and practices of the safeguards framework.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen the safeguard implementation process through the local government units (LGUs), the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), through the Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Unit conducted a nationwide forum and assessment with the partner LGUs on March 4-6, in this city.

The assembly aimed to assess and gather feedback from the LGUs on the implementation and practices of the safeguards framework and identify the unique challenges of each subproject (SP).

It also aimed to recognize the hard work and commitment of the LGUs for the implementation of safeguards policies.

In the discussion, it was observed that the frequently used frameworks identified by the LGUs during the SP implementation are the Environmental Management Framework Guidelines (EMFG); Indigenous Peoples Policy Framework (IPPF); Grievance Redress Mechanism Framework (GRMF); Mainstreaming and Institutionalizing Safeguards Framework; Implementation of Resettlement Action Plan; Social and Environmental Safeguards Practitioners; and the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Policy Framework (LARRPF).

LARRPF is a framework where in the LGU will properly compensate and/or assist in the resettlement of the Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

Highlighted the event was the recognition given to the model and top performing LGUs, along with the identified representatives with best practices for their application of the Integrated Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (IESSF) in their respective subprojects.

For Region 10, the LGU of Valencia City in Bukidnon was recognized for this feat and for exemplifying best practice on the Land Acquisition, Resettlement, and Rehabilitation Policy Framework (LARRPF).

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and RPCO 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado commended the LGU Valencia City for overcoming the challenges in the project implementation.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to LGU Valencia City for being able to perform despite the restraints faced.”

Meanwhile, Angelita D. Martir, Officer-in-Charge – Deputy Project Director and SES Unit Head of NPCO imparted to the stakeholders that the role of safeguards practitioners is vital to the success of the project and the future of the community.

“We must always choose the right path no matter how difficult it may get. There is no shortcut when it comes to the welfare of the people and the environment.”

The stakeholders further discussed the changes in the implementation of the PRDP Scale-Up and the updating of the safeguard status of the pipelined subprojects in the PRDP Scale-Up.

The event was attended by SES units from the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO), Project Support Offices (PSOs), and Regional Project Coordination Offices (RPCOs) along with the identified representatives from model LGUs.#