The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), the implementing unit of the Constructors’ Performance Evaluation System (CPES), convened stakeholders for the CPES Midyear  Performance Review from July 29–31, 2026, in Tanza, Cavite, to assess the system’s implementation, address operational challenges, and reinforce its role in promoting transparency, accountability, and quality assurance in Department of Agriculture (DA) infrastructure projects.

Over the three days, participants took stock of how CPES implementation was progressing across the Department, flagged areas that still needed work, and mapped out strategies for the rest of FY 2026. Discussions underscored the role of CPES in improving constructor performance, safeguarding government investments, and ensuring that DA infrastructure projects meet established quality standards. 

In her recorded message, Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos emphasized that, amid heightened public scrutiny of government infrastructure projects, the role of CPES has become increasingly important in promoting transparency, strengthening public trust, and ensuring the responsible use of government resources. She also stressed that evaluations must remain objective, credible, evidence-based, and free from bias.

Engineer Peachie B. Melendez of the Policy Development and Coordination Division–Agricultural Fisheries Mechanization and Infrastructure Support Section (PDCD-AFMISS) opened the technical sessions by presenting the rationale and updates on CPES implementation across the Department. She reported that during the first semester of FY 2026,  65 CPES evaluations covering 58 infrastructure projects were implemented by 14 offices, with 52 constructors assessed across three project categories. The presentation also highlighted key accomplishments and implementation updates that demonstrate the Department’s continued commitment to institutionalizing performance-based constructors evaluation.

A major highlight of the review was the presentation of draft guidelines that require the submission of CPES ratings as part of the post-bidding requirements. PCAF CPES Focal Person Engr. Niña Mae Talaro presented the proposed policy and generated active discussions among participants, who agreed to further refine the guidelines to strengthen the integration of CPES into the procurement process while ensuring consistency with Republic Act No. 12009 and existing government procurement policies.

Participants also discussed operational issues encountered during implementation and proposed measures to improve the system. Among the recommendations were clarifying documentary requirements, strengthening the implementation of the Assessment of Corrective Action Plan (ACAP), and establishing appropriate transition measures and sanctions for constructors with poor performance. These recommendations aim to further enhance the effectiveness and credibility of the CPES as a performance management tool.

To chart the direction of CPES implementation for the remainder of FY 2026, Engr. Evander de Guzman facilitated the review sessions and workshop on implementation strategies and the way forward. He also presented updates on infrastructure project implementation and schedule of the CPES activities for this year. 

In his closing message, read by Engr. Melendez, “The institutionalization of CPES is not the responsibility of one office alone. It is a shared undertaking that requires the continued dedication, professionalism, and integrity of everyone involved.”, Officer-in-Charge Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban said.

The activity concluded with the recognition of outstanding Constructors’ Performance Evaluators (CPEs) from various implementing offices and high-performing constructors through the awarding of certificates. The recognition highlighted the vital role of evaluators and project implementers in upholding construction quality and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to strengthening the CPES as a key mechanism for ensuring quality infrastructure delivery, enhancing constructors accountability, and fostering transparency in public infrastructure development.

Through an awarding ceremony, PCAF recognized the outstanding contributions of CPEs and DA Implementing Offices to the CPES Program for the First Semester of 2026, along with the outstanding constructor. Tokens of appreciation were awarded to the following awardees: 

• DA-RFO III – Premier CPES Champion Award and Ace of Initiative Award
• DA-RFO XII – Ultimate Contributor
• Engr. Ed Jay Espinosa – Outstanding CPE
• Engr. Jeshiah Mercado – Outstanding Team Leader and Driver of Success Award
• Engr. Arjean Morales – Driver of Success Award
• Cabandon Construction – Outstanding Constructor

The selection of top performers was based on established CPES criteria. Constructors were recognized for projects that received a final CPES rating outstanding or very satisfactory.  Implementing offices were selected based on the highest number of CPES-evaluated projects and deployed evaluators, while evaluators were recognized for completing the highest number of project evaluations during the assessment period. | Jane Briña