In culmination of a series of capacity-building activities under this year’s AGSIKAP, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), through the Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU), held a training on the Rapid Subproject Sustainability Assessment (RSSA) and Quality Assurance Assessment Report (QAAR) Tools on October 11, 2024, at Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City.

Attended by representatives from the Local Engineering Offices and Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) Focal Persons of the DILG-NCR Field Offices, the AGSIKAP 2024 Session 4 seeks to enhance the capacities of the 17 NCR local government units (LGUs) in the operationalization of the guidelines on the RSSA and utilization of the QAAR Tool.

In her welcoming remarks, DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III urged the participants to take on the challenge of continuously augmenting efforts to utilize and operationalize these assessment tools in pursuit of cultivating a transparent and accountable culture within LGUs, and sustaining the delivery of quality services to the public. 

“Hiling namin sa inyong lahat, sa pamamagitan ng makabuluhang pagsasanay na ito, na patuloy na magsumikap at maging kasangkapan sa higit na pagpapahusay ng lokal na pamamahala upang matiyak ang likas-kayang kaunlaran ng inyong mga pamayanan,” RD Agustin mentioned.

DILG-NCR Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Acting Chief Luigi D.C. Pilarta then shared that the activity was designed to equip LGUs with the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective implementation of the RSSA and QAAR Tools; increase the number of LGU projects in the NCR that undergo the RSSA process, leading to improved project quality and sustainability; and encourage LGUs to utilize the RSSA and QAAR Tools to ensure project adherence to established guidelines and minimum quality standards.

For the first lecture, LGOO V Russell Adalla of the DILG Office of Project Development Services (OPDS) presented an overview of the RSSA based on the provisions of DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) nos. 2021-123 and 2023-048, highlighting the crucial role of progress monitoring, quality assurance, and functionality assessment in ensuring the sustainability of projects. 

Following this, LGOO V Adalla, with the assistance of PDMU-NCR Information Systems Analyst II Marc Allen B. Mojica, provided a brief demonstration of using the RSSA and guided the participants in navigating the said tool during a short workshop.

Engr. Lauren Jetherson H. Rilloraza of the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) – Disaster Risk Reduction, Environment, Other Infrastructure and Non-Infrastructure (DRREOINI) Sector under the DILG OPDS, then discussed in detail the functions and features of the QAAR Tool, which is used to evaluate project compliance to quality standards; harmonize point grading system and recommendations; and ensure functionality of the project upon completion. Additionally, Engr. Rilloraza conducted a step-by-step walkthrough of the QAAR tool through a simulation activity.

Towards the end, Dir. Jannis T. Montañez, Director of the Local Governance and Development Office (LGDO) under the Center for Governance of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), highlighted the significance of logical frameworks in formulating programs and projects. She also underscored the importance of determining the success of project implementation through efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, and sustainability.

To officially conclude the program, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV emphasized the need for LGUs’ dedication and optimism in translating knowledge into action and empowering communities through impactful and sustainable programs and projects.

“Tungkulin nating mga lingkod bayan na mapalawak at mapagtibay ang mga proyekto o inisyatibang inilulunsad para sa ating mga pamayanan. Kaakibat nito ang paggamit sa pondo nang naaayon sa mga itinakdang pamantayan ng gobyerno. Saksi ang buong DILG-NCR sa patuloy ninyong pagsusumikap upang mapaunlad ang antas ng pamumuhay sa inyong mga lungsod sa pamamagitan ng paglahok sa ganitong mga importanteng pagsasanay,” ARD Baltazar-Cortez stated.

The said training serves as the concluding session of the PDMU-NCR’s AGSIKAP 2024, succeeding three (3) sessions where participants gained critical insights on the importance of adhering to the procurement process, improving project plans and monitoring practices, and planning for sustainable urban green infrastructure. The DILG-NCR, through the PDMU, stands by its commitment to providing capacity development interventions for the 17 NCR LGUs, aimed at elevating the standard of local governance and advancing sustainable development within local communities.