Following the present administration’s renewed call on the “Build Better More” program during the recently concluded State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Constructor’s Performance Evaluation System (CPES) reviewed and strengthened its commitment to quality agri-fishery infrastructure during the CPES Mid-year Performance Review on July 30 to August 1, 2025 in Tanza, Cavite.
Aside from presenting the CPES first semester accomplishments and other CPES implementation-related activities, the activity also served as a venue for private and government entities to identify challenges and propose solutions.
The commitment and policy recommendations for the general improvement on the implementation of CPES were captured by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), through the Agriculture and Fishery Mechanization and Infrastructure Support Section (AFMISS), which served as the DA CPES implementing unit.
This initiative underscores the agency’s dedication to building infrastructure that is “resilient, secure, and fundamentally safe,” as called for in the SONA.
CPES serves as a key mechanism for ensuring DA-funded projects meet “standards and required technical specifications”. According to Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, section 12 of Annex E of the IRR, the government requires all government entities implementing infrastructure projects to evaluate contractor performance using CPES guidelines.
“This is why CPES is important because every kilometer of farm-to-market road, every irrigation system, and every postharvest facility has the potential to uplift lives when built right,” said PCAF Deputy Executive Director Julieta Opulencia.
As a “check and balance in the project implementation process”, CPES evaluates constructors’ performance based on the National Economic and Development Authority-approved standards for all government infrastructure projects. This legal foundation provides a clear framework for accountability, which is crucial for the success of the administration’s ambitious infrastructure agenda.
One of the significant discussion points was the accreditation process for Constructors’ Performance Evaluators (CPEs). Accredited evaluators only have a two-year grace period for renewal once their license expires.
As prescribed by the Department of Trade and Industry- Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, those with expired accreditation licenses are required to attend a refresher course to ensure their competence is up to date, a measure that directly supports the President’s focus on quality.
On the other hand, to enhance efficiency and consistency, a policy resolution was passed to mandate the use of standardized templates for project monitoring and validation across all DA Regional Field Offices (RFOs).
This was supported by other participants, who noted that harmonized forms are already available. This move will standardize forms, streamline evaluation, and enhance effectiveness.
The review also tackled logistical issues, particularly the budget for evaluators’ travel expenses. While a formal proposal is still pending, the body agreed to draft a Special Order listing all accredited CPEs. This order will allow them to claim travel expenses directly from the implementing office requesting the evaluation, subject to fund availability.
These efforts aim to remove logistical barriers and ensure that quality checks can be conducted regularly, a necessary step in achieving the “Build Better More” agenda.
The group also highlighted the updated CPES checklists, latest technical bulletins in agri-fishery infrastructure and machinery, and updates regarding the DA Constructors’ Performance Evaluators Association, Inc.
PCAF AFMISS also recognized the active CPES evaluators and implementing offices, and facilitated the oathtaking of the newly accredited CPEs in the entire Department. | Jezebel Campaniel
