As far as I can recall, it was during the time of then DA-8 OIC-RED U-Nichols Manalo that I first became involved with the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) as InfoACE Head. If memory serves me right, it was in 2017 or 2018.
I didn’t seek the position, but Director Manalo—who was determined to correct what he viewed as “the mistakes of past administrations”—took deliberate and decisive action to achieve positive results at all costs.
Since then, the InfoACE Unit bounced back to life, so to speak. During my term, I was also authorized to hire an Information Writer, Ms. Jennina L. Brosas. Together, we were able to accomplish, with humility, the communication and advocacy needs and targets of PRDP-RPCO 8.
In 2022, however, when I was reassigned as Lead APCO under the supervision of then FOD Chief—now DA-8 RED Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais—my stint with PRDP was understandably cut short.
Early this year, 2025, I was given another chance to be involved with PRDP-RPCO 8—this time as I-REAP Component Head, while also serving as AMAD Chief.
One of the main concerns of I-REAP, as well as other component groups, is to spearhead the mainstreaming of proven PRDP tools, innovations, principles, and strategies into the agency’s regular programs, activities, and projects.
Admittedly, I am still in the adjustment process, doing my best to learn the nitty-gritty of the PRDP system and perspectives—particularly those under I-REAP’s tasks and responsibilities. Yet, re-immersing myself in this work has been an unexpectedly rewarding experience for many reasons.
Perhaps I could do more if I were not multitasking. On the other hand, I consider all this a great challenge as a humble civil servant. I never really mind receiving unpleasant criticism from different fronts; I see it as part of the ingredients of success. It helps me grow—and growth is gold.
At the moment, I am fully convinced things will start to work out for the good, or even better.
Now that I am back working for PRDP, I firmly believe that in conducting initial capability-enhancement activities, especially in mainstreaming priority tools and innovations, the “compare and contrast” approach should be paramount.
By comparing the current operating procedures at DA-RFO 8 with the improved systems and processes developed over the years by PRDP, concerned staff will be able to identify gaps, bottlenecks, and other pain points, and decide how best to integrate good practices into the customary systems of the divisions or operating units of the DA.
I am deeply grateful to DA-8 management under the able leadership of RED and RPCO 8 Project Director Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais, and Deputy Project Director Larry U. Sultan for giving me and the AMAD staff the opportunity to support and play an active role in PRDP I-REAP’s mandated duties and functions. Thanks as well to Ma’am Jenny Lyn Almeria, former DPD, for paving the way for my first opportunity to join the project.
PS: Feeling #blessed to be working with highly competent I-REAP and AMAD staff (you know who you are), as well as other DA colleagues who are at the frontlines of enterprise development in the region
