The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) conducted its FY 2025 Yearend Performance Review of the Constructors’ Performance Evaluation System (CPES) on December 10–12, 2025, in Angeles City, Pampanga, to assess its implementation across the Department of Agriculture (DA) and identify priority actions for improvement.
The activity served as a venue to examine specific implementation aspects, including the conduct of evaluations, accreditation of evaluators, coordination among implementing offices, and policy and operational issues affecting the system.
Through a video recording of her opening message, PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos reiterated the agency’s role as the Department’s CPES Implementing Unit, which oversees the evaluation of government-funded agricultural infrastructure projects based on quality, timeliness, safety, and compliance with technical standards.
“Our work safeguards government investments and contributes directly to the sustainable development of the agriculture and fisheries sectors,” she furthered.
This was commended by Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Engr. Roger Navarro in his prerecorded keynote message, where he underscored the demands of CPES implementation.
“This role is not easy. It requires technical expertise, coordination across units and regions, and unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability,” he said.
During the first day of the activity, PCAF facilitated the oath-taking of newly accredited Constructor’ Performance Evaluators (CPEs). A total of 39 engineers and/or architects from the DA formally took their oath, expanding the pool of professionals authorized to conduct CPES evaluations for DA infrastructure projects.
Key discussions highlighted the increasing demand for CPES evaluations amid the expansion of infrastructure projects for the agriculture and fisheries sector. Participants emphasized the importance of early planning, clear scheduling, adequate funding, and strengthened coordination among central and regional field offices, and partner agencies to ensure effective and timely CPES coverage.
Updates on proposed Minimum Material Testing Guidelines were likewise discussed, with participants raising concerns on testing requirements, cost allocation, and institutional arrangements. Agreements were reached to subject the draft guidelines to further technical review and consultation to address implementation issues and ensure clarity before finalization.
Clarifications on CPES guidelines and procedures were also presented, particularly on constructor performance ratings, corrective action requirements, and the use of CPES results in procurement processes. These discussions underscored the need for consistent and transparent application of CPES across all DA infrastructure projects.
Prior to the closing activities, DA regional offices, bureaus, and attached agencies presented updates on the implementation status of their infrastructure projects and identified tentative CPES evaluation schedules for the coming year. The session also included the initial identification of CPES evaluators for said visits, providing a basis for coordinated planning moving forward.
The Yearend Performance Review concluded with the recognition and awarding of constructors, CPES evaluators, implementing offices, and focal persons for their compliance and exemplary performance in upholding the integrity of CPES implementation. | Joy Camille Luza
