Written by: Engr. McAllen Barrientos

Zamboanga del Sur – From April 21 to 25, 2025, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX took part in the 2nd Quarter Field Monitoring Visit conducted by the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) IX in Zamboanga del Sur. This joint mission, involving multiple government agencies, aimed to evaluate the progress and implementation of priority government projects throughout the province. Among the initiatives assessed were key infrastructure developments, including road widening, flood control systems, and farm-to-market roads implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA). While a number of these projects were on track, the team also identified ongoing issues such as right-of-way constraints and the need for adjustments in project planning.

The visit further emphasized the importance of community-based science and technology projects led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) IX. Initiatives under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, aquaculture projects, and improvements in local processing facilities illustrated a science-driven approach to enhancing local livelihoods. The convergence of infrastructure and innovation-focused efforts highlighted the national government’s commitment to an integrated strategy for rural development—one that promotes accessibility, sustainability, and economic productivity for local communities.

The week-long activity concluded with a debriefing session hosted by NEDA IX, where insights and recommendations were synthesized to ensure more effective coordination and timely responses from concerned agencies. For DILG IX, the monitoring visit served as a valuable platform to reinforce inter-agency collaboration and reaffirm our role in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive progress across Region IX.