Experts tapped to check Eastern Visayas key projects

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 3  -- The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) has tapped three universities, a professional organization, and a group of disaster survivors to check the progress of key projects in Eastern Visayas.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Bonifacio Uy, also the RPMC chair, said Friday the committee has forged ties with Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban City; Visayas State University in Baybay City; University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Northern Samar; Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Eastern Visayas chapter; and Community of “Yolanda” Survivors and Partners.

“They were recommended based on their technical expertise in engineering, agriculture, environment, and housing and resettlement. Plans to expand and develop partnerships with other sectors in the future are also currently being discussed,” Uy said in a phone interview.

The partnership formally sealed last week, would enhance the capacity of the RPMC to perform its functions by addressing the constraints in monitors’ technical expertise, considering the numerous projects being monitored in the region.

At least 188 major projects have been listed by the Regional Development Council (RDC) as priority for monitoring this year in Eastern Visayas, citing its importance to the attainment of regional development goals and targets.

Uy said only 188 projects have been picked by the body for monitoring given the “limited technical and logistical resources.”

These projects include post-“Yolanda” reconstruction activities; resettlement sites in Tacloban City, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Biliran; livelihood projects; irrigations; social infrastructure; agriculture and fishery; road and bridges; roads leading to tourism destinations; roads in conflict-stricken areas; seaports; and airports.

Uy said the project monitoring initiative by RDC members both from the government and private sector will help ensure the timely implementation of programs and projects critical to the attainment of goals in the 2017-2022 Regional Development Plan.

The RPMC is RDC’s project monitoring arm responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of priority programs and projects implemented in the region, particularly those that are encountering implementation bottlenecks and projects worthy for replication.

The body forwards monitoring reports and recommendations generated during the problem-solving sessions to the council for information and appropriate action. (SQM/PNA)