Davao City, May 16, 2025 – In line with its commitment to uphold the World Bank’s standards for resilient and high-quality infrastructure, the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) concluded a four-day Materials Testing and Quality Control (MTQC) Training-Workshop aimed at equipping engineers and technical staff with enhanced skills in construction materials evaluation and quality assurance.
Held from May 13 to 16, 2025, in Davao City, the training brought together engineers and technical personnel from the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO), Project Support Offices (PSOs), Regional Project Coordination Offices (RPCOs), Rural Infrastructure Engineers (RIEs), and Provincial Project Management and Implementation Units (PPMIUs). The activity focused on both theoretical learning and practical skills in material testing methods essential to the successful delivery of PRDP infrastructure subprojects.
“This activity is part of our broader commitment to build resilient, long-lasting infrastructure,” said DA-PRDP PSO Mindanao Project Director Macario D. Gonzaga. “By strengthening our engineers’ capacity to conduct thorough materials testing and quality control, we ensure that every peso spent translates to infrastructure that serves and withstands the test of time—especially in remote rural areas.”
Participants were trained on the latest technologies and standard procedures for field and laboratory testing of construction materials, including soil analysis, reinforcement bar testing, and concrete trial mixes. They also learned about the significance of various test methods, accurate equipment handling, maintenance protocols, and how to interpret and report results to ensure compliance with PRDP standards.
A key highlight of the training was the hands-on laboratory site visit at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office on the final day. Led by DPWH engineers and laboratory technicians, the visit allowed participants to observe and engage in actual demonstrations of standard quality control procedures. This activity was conducted under the framework of Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2013, which formalizes the technical collaboration between the DA and DPWH.
The MTQC training also emphasized the importance of engaging licensed and highly skilled Materials Engineers and laboratory technicians, either as resource persons or consultants, to conduct specialized testing and training to maintain consistency in quality assurance.
In the training’s closing program, Deputy Project Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA, speaking on behalf of Director Gonzaga, underscored the importance of quality in delivering rural infrastructure projects. “In doing our work, let us always remind ourselves that we are building infrastructure not just for compliance, but for impact. Quality roads and facilities are the legacy we leave behind for our farmers,” Collado said.
He also urged the participants to support the implementation of the PRDP Scale-Up initiative, which introduces a new cost-sharing scheme and broader project coverage. “Let us aim for faster compliance with documentation requirements and more efficient subproject implementation,” he added.
Through sustained investments in training and technical capacity-building, the DA-PRDP continues to ensure that rural infrastructure across the country is not only structurally sound and cost-effective, but also a foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.