Posted on

Participants during the DA-CPES Seminar Workshop cum Practicum

Taking a significant step towards enhancing the quality of the Department of Agriculture (DA) infrastructure projects, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), through its Policy Development and Coordination Division-Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization and Infrastructure Support Section, conducted the third batch of the Department of Agriculture-Constructors’ Performance Evaluation System (DA-CPES) Seminar Workshop cum Practicum.

Held in Cagayan de Oro City from October 22 to 26, 2024, the activity brought together 30 dedicated technical staff, including engineers and architects from various DA regional field offices (RFOs), bureaus, and attached agencies. The intensive training, conducted in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (DTI-CIAP) and DA-RFO X, aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess the performance of constructors on DA infrastructure projects.

Participants completing the case study on roads and bridges

The seminar-workshop cum practicum comprised a blend of theoretical lectures and hands-on exercises. Participants had to complete a case study and achieve a minimum score of 70% to qualify for Constructors’ Performance Evaluator (CPE) accreditation.

Participants doing the practicum part of the activity

Another highlight of the training was the rigorous practicum, where participants were tasked with conducting site visits to assess ongoing infrastructure projects. They utilized the National Economic and Development Authority-approved evaluation checklists to evaluate various aspects of constructors’ performance, such as workmanship, materials, timeliness, facilities, environmental safety and health, and resource deployment.

Group photo during the CPES Seminar Workshop cum Practicum

A graduation ceremony was held, announcing that all 30 participants had passed the case study.

PCAF OIC-Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban addressing the participants of the DA-CPES Seminar Workshop cum Practicum

PCAF OIC Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban congratulated the graduates and commended their dedication to becoming CPEs.

“As you embark on your journey as CPES evaluators, remember that your role extends beyond merely assessing constructors’ performance; it is about safeguarding the public’s trust and ensuring that government resources are utilized effectively. Your evaluations will directly impact the lives of countless stakeholders, especially farmers who depend on the DA infrastructures such as irrigation projects and processing facilities for their livelihood,” he said.

He also encouraged the participants to continue developing their skills and expanding their knowledge.

“Let your work be guided by integrity, objectivity, and a profound sense of responsibility. May your evaluations reflect your commitment to building a better future for our country,” Soliaban urged. | Text by Joy Camille Luza, with reports and photos from PCAF PDCD-AFMISS