09/10/2026
| ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐๐, ๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ ๐ซ๐ข ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐-๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐-๐๐ฉ
The Cordillera Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) has approved 12 agricultural infrastructure subprojects in Kalinga and Ifugao for funding under the Department of Agriculture โ Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-Up during its meeting on October 9, 2026 in Baguio City.
The approved subprojects include the construction of 11 agricultural tramlines in Banaue, Ifugao, with a combined estimated cost of Php89.02 million, and the improvement/rehabilitation of the Saod-Sucnib-Ambinjong-Ladog Communal Irrigation System (CIS) in Lubuagan, Kalinga, estimated at Php46.50 million.
Proposed by the municipal government of Banaue and the provincial government of Kalinga, respectively, the subprojects aim to support the production of two of the Cordillera regionโs key commodities: heirloom rice and highland vegetables.
RPAB Chair and DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan commended the LGUs for their sustained efforts in advancing their proposed subprojects and complying with the necessary requirements, underscoring their commitment to bringing these infrastructure investments to their respective communities.
In Barangay Mabongtot, Lubuagan, the proposed CIS subproject will rehabilitate an existing irrigation system that has long served the community. Sourced from natural creeks, the system uses earthen canals and pipes that have deteriorated and developed leaks over time. Once improved, it is expected to provide irrigation to 43.49 hectares of agricultural land and benefit 114 households, comprising 264 male and 191 female beneficiaries.
During the deliberations, Kalinga Governor James Edduba expressed hope that the irrigation project would help strengthen food security and contribute to peace and order in the community.
โWith our efforts heavily concentrated on maintaining peace and order, I hope this subproject will help make the community of Mabongtot food-sufficient and contribute to sustaining peace and order in Lubuagan. We believe that without peace and order, awan ti progress nga maaramid (no progress can be achieved),โ he said.
Meanwhile, the 11 proposed tramlines in Banaue are expected to reduce hauling time and costs, minimize transport losses, and improve access to agricultural areas, as well as facilitate operations and maintenance.
Banaue Vice Mayor Atty. Kendall Immolia shared that Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the municipality are being reorganized and will be capacitated to strengthen their knowledge and skills in tramline operations and maintenance.
Kalinga Provincial Agriculturist and PRDP Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU) Head Nancy G. Aowat and Banaue Mayor Donald Mongolnon presented the respective proposals, outlining the objectives, service areas, demand, and technical details of the subprojects. Hard copies of the proposals were also distributed to RPAB members for review and reference during the deliberations.
In his closing message, DA-PRDP Regional Deputy Project Director Danilo P. Daguio congratulated the LGUs on successfully presenting and defending their proposals.
โThese subprojects will support heirloom rice. It will strengthen our desire to promote Cordillera Heirloom Rice,โ he said, noting that the next challenge will begin once the No Objection Letter (NOL) is issued and implementation commences.
The RPAB plays a key role in guiding the DA-PRDP Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) in reviewing and ensuring effective implementation of policies for project ex*****on. Current RPAB members include representatives from the regional offices of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), DA-Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Council (RAFC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). # # # Elvy T. Estacio (DA-PRDP RPCO CAR InfoACE)
