Implementing The Rural Infrastructure Project

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1298

Objective: To accelerate the physical, economic, and social growth of underdeveloped areas and achieve equitable distribution of developmental benefits. (Preamble)

Rural Infrastructure Project Office:
• A Rural Infrastructure Project Office is created within the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications to supervise and coordinate the planning and implementation of rural infrastructure projects in Abra, Kalinga-Apayao, Bohol, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and other designated provinces. (Section 1)

Cabinet Coordinator for the Project:
• The Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and Communications shall be the Cabinet Coordinator for the Project, responsible for overall administration, supervision, and coordination of plans, work programs, budgets, and implementation activities. (Section 2)

Project Director:
• The Project Office shall be headed by a Project Director appointed by the Cabinet Coordinator. (Section 3)
• The Project Director's powers and functions include:
- Directly coordinating and supervising the activities of implementing agencies. (Section 3a)
- Reviewing and integrating plans, programs, and budget proposals for the Project. (Section 3b)
- Monitoring and evaluating the progress of the Project execution and submitting periodic reports. (Section 3c)
- Assisting in the preparation of feasibility studies for newly identified rural development projects. (Section 3d)
- Coordinating with financing institutions regarding the Project activities. (Section 3e)

Implementing Departments and Agencies:
• The following agencies shall implement the Project components: (Section 4)
- Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications (lead agency, seaports, water supply systems, health centers)
- Department of Public Highways (barangay feeder roads)
- National Irrigation Administration and Farm Systems Development Corporation (communal and pump irrigation systems)
- Department of Health (health delivery systems, rural health centers)
- Provincial Development Committee (monitoring and advisory role)
• The implementing agencies shall submit annual plans, budgets, work programs, and periodic reports to the Cabinet Coordinator through the Project Director. (Section 4)

Steering Committee:
• A Steering Committee composed of senior officials from the agencies involved and the Budget Commission is created to ensure agencies execute tasks according to approved plans and schedules, and coordinate inter-agency responsibilities. (Section 5)

Technical Working Group:
• The Cabinet Coordinator shall form a Technical Working Group responsible for preparing future rural infrastructure feasibility studies. (Section 6)

Project Office Personnel:
• The Cabinet Coordinator shall appoint the Project Director and other personnel, define their duties and responsibilities, and fix their remunerations. (Section 7)
• The positions of the Project Director and other technical personnel shall be exempted from the rules and regulations of the Office of Compensation and Personnel Classification. (Section 7)

Project Financing:
• Funds for the Project components shall be included in the respective agency budgets, and each implementing agency shall keep a separate financial account for their Project components. (Section 8)
• The operating funds of the Project Office shall be taken from the available appropriations of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications for the current calendar year, and thereafter, included in the Annual General Appropriations measures. (Section 8)

Repealing Clause and Effectivity:
• All laws, decrees, executive orders, administrative orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Decree are repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 9)
• This Decree shall take effect immediately. (Section 10)