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TACLOBAN CITY, Oct 7 (PNA) — A project watch body is pushing for the establishment of the regional project monitoring and evaluation system (RPMES) to check the progress of major projects in Eastern Visayas.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional director Bonifacio Uy, chairman of the regional project monitoring committee (RPMC), said that putting up the system will facilitate timely implementation of the project.

“The responsibility of RPMES is to ensure that the implementing agencies are accountable for the funds in the implementation of the project,” Uy said.

If the system found that a project is delayed, the committee will report to concerned agencies for actions. Failure to address bottlenecks in the agency level will compel the RPMC to discuss the delay in the Regional Development Council Executive Committee level.

“It may also be referred to the Commission on Audit (COA) and Ombudsman for appropriate action,” Uy said.

The monitoring system will be ran by NEDA, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Budget and Management.

The mechanism, designed for “flagging projects” that requires priority monitoring and facilitation, looks into four indicators – financial, physical, cost overrun, and project completion.

The RPMC is eyeing to establish the RPMES within the year given the need to enhance checking of delayed foreign-funded projects.

Failure to implement foreign-assisted projects may affect future projects, the NEDA regional chief said.

Among the delayed projects are the Help for Catubig Agricultural Advancement Project (HCAAP), Pinipisakan Irrigation Project, Spanish Bridges and several locally-funded infrastructures. (PNA)