Written By: Janrie H. Dalumpines | Photos By: Janrie H. Dalumpines

Zamboanga City, Philippines – A highly successful Field Monitoring Visit (FMV), spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and attended by Engr. McAllen Barrientos and PEO II Janrie Dalumpines, concluded with a strong commitment to accelerate key infrastructure projects in Zamboanga. The multi-agency visit underscored the government’s whole-of-nation approach, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and quality in project implementation.

The FMV was distinguished by broad participation, highlighting a unified effort to address local development challenges. Key representatives from various national and local agencies were present, including:

• DILG personnel, led by Engr. Barrientos and PEO II Dalumpines, who provided technical oversight and ensured project alignment with local governance standards.
• DPWH District and Regional Offices of Zamboanga, who offered on-site technical expertise and addressed construction-related issues.
• DOLE Representatives, who monitored labor compliance and working conditions, reinforcing the government’s focus on worker welfare.
• Representatives from the LGU of Zamboanga City, ensuring that projects meet the specific needs and development goals of the local community.
• Personnel from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), who provided high-level monitoring to secure commitments for sustained funding and political support.
• A host of Field Engineers, who contributed on-the-ground assessments and technical perspectives.

The FMV’s core objective—to physically inspect project sites and validate progress—was achieved with positive results. The collaborative inspection led to:

• Direct Problem-Solving: Immediate on-site discussions between implementing agencies (DPWH/LGU) and monitoring bodies (DILG/PMS/DBM) allowed for the prompt resolution of potential bottlenecks, particularly those related to right-of-way issues and inter-agency coordination.
• Enhanced Accountability: The presence of DBM and PMS reinforced the projects’ fiscal and governance accountability, assuring the public of the prudent use of funds. The DILG’s monitoring, through its Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU), ensured projects adhered to quality standards and implementation timelines.
• Validation of Targets: The DILG team, including Engr. Barrientos and PEO II Dalumpines, played a crucial role in verifying physical accomplishments against set targets. This meticulous validation process is crucial for effective resource management and public reporting.

The visit culminated in a unified commitment from all stakeholders to expedite the completion of the infrastructure projects, ensuring they deliver their intended socio-economic benefits to the people of Zamboanga in a timely and quality manner. The success of this FMV serves as a model for inter-agency coordination in regional development.