20Alliance%202004

THE PALMA ALLIANCE:PIGCAWAYAN, ALAMADA,

LIBUNGAN, MIDSAYAP, & ALEOSAN COTABATO PROVINCE

“ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL”Building LGU Alliances for Infrastructure Development

“ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL” Building LGU Alliances for Infrastructure Development Copyright © 2004 Philippines-Canada Local Government Support Program (LGSP) The Philippines-Canada Local Government Support Program encourages the use, translation, adaptation and copying of this material for non-commercial use, with appropriate credit given to LGSP. Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this book, neither the publisher and/or contributor and/or editor can accept any liability for any consequence arising from the use thereof or from any information contained herein. Printed and bound in Manila, Philippines Published by: Philippines-Canada Local Government Support Program Unit 1507 Jollibee Plaza Emerald Ave., Pasig City 1600 Philippines Tel. Nos. (632) 637-3511 to 13 www.lgsp.org.ph This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Summary

About Kabalikat Palma Infrastructure Project (KPIP)

Project History

Implementing The Palma Kabalikat Infrastructure: Objectives, Structures, And Mechanics

Project Results

Replicating Kabalikat Palma Infrastructure Project

Key Implementation Steps

Reference Matrix On Replicating Kabalikat Palma Infrastructure Project

Lessons For Replication: Keeping The Engines Running

Annexes

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3

3

4

7

8

8

12

14

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CONTENTS

1

Summary

In August 2001, mayors of fi ve neighboring towns in Cotabato Province who were attending the Chief Executives Development Management Program (LDMP) at the Asian Institute of Management came up with a brilliant idea. They decided to pool the

resources of their municipalities together to help each other rehabilitate and construct barangay and farm-to-market roads.

Thus was the Kabalikat PALMA Infrastructure Project (KPIP) born. “Kabalikat”, a Tagalog term meaning shoulder-to-shoulder or each one lending a shoulder to another became the name and guiding principle of the project. The KPIP also became the fi rst project of what came to be known as the PALMA local government alliance.

Under Kabalikat, the fi ve municipalities of Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap and Aleosan comprising the PALMA Alliance pooled their road construction equipment and systematically rotated equipment use among themselves free of charge. Each municipality made a contribution to the equipment pool. Pigcawayan brought in its road grader and dump truck. Alamada shared their road grader bulldozer, backhoe loader and dump truck. Libungan put in a road grader, dump truck and backhoe loader. Midsayap contributed a bulldozer, backhoe loader, pay loader, compactor and dump truck. Aleosan its road grader, bulldozer, pay loader and dump truck.

To support the effort, the provincial government of Cotabato provided the trailer for transporting the heavy equipment and made available a road construction team for the project.

The spirit of LGUs helping one another deliver infrastructure services through equitable sharing of resources proved to the great benefi t of the LGUs. With better roads made possible through the project, residents, especially in remote barangays, can now be reached by government extension workers. These barangays have also been exposed

“ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL”Building LGU Alliances for Infrastructure Development

The Kabalikat PALMA Infrastructure Project of the PALMA Alliance: Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap, & Aleosan Cotabato Province

“All for One and One for All” Building LGU Alliances for Infrastructure Development

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to various farming technologies, which have increased their agricultural productivity. The project has also reduced the cost of road construction for the LGUs, and decreased travel time and transport cost for hundreds of residents.

The Kabalikat PALMA Infrastructure Project: Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap, & Aleosan Cotabato Province

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ABOUT THE PALMA KABALIKAT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

Addressing a Need, Helping Neighbors: Project History

Like many rural municipalities in the Philippines, the fi ve municipalities of Cotabato Province of the PALMA alliance shared a common problem. Because of poor roads, several of their upland and far fl ung barangays were deprived of basic services and faced limited prospects for growth. Residents from these barangays found it diffi cult to commute and transport their farm produce to the market.

But because of limited resources, individual local government units (LGUs) could ill afford massive rehabilitation or construction of barangay or farm to market roads.

To address the problem, Mayor Ronaldo B. Pader of Libungan, who is concurrently the Chair of the PALMA Alliance Board, broached the idea of pooling the equipment of fi ve towns to fast track their respective infrastructure development with 4 mayors of neighboring towns who were also attending the Chief Executives Development Management Program (LDMP) conference. All four mayors readily accepted Pader’s idea. Initial discussions on how to implement the project were made. The fi ve mayors subsequently met to formulate the mechanics for project implementation and to formalize the arrangement in a Memorandum of Agreement. The MOA was signed on October 31, 2001 signifying the intentions of 5 LGUs to implement the PALMA Kabalikat project as an alliance.

In February 2002, the fi rst rotation of infra- equipment was made. It covered 20 barangays in the municipality of Aleosan where approximately 12 kms of barangay road were completed. Each municipality got its turn to use the equipment until the early part of January 2003. A total of 70 kilometers of barangay farm to market roads in 27 barangays in the 5 municipalities were rehabilitated under the fi rst rotation. The project is now on its second round.

Before and After construction shots of the Aleosan Tomado-Malapang Road


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Implementing the PALMA Kabalikat Infrastructure: Objectives, Structures and Mechanics

Objectives

PALMA KABALIKAT aims to fast track the rehabilitation of barangay and farm to market roads in order to make government services accessible to people and assist these barangays achieve development, progress and prosperity. Organizational Structure

At the alliance level, two committees were formed:

1. Infrastructure Project Steering Committee (IPSC); and 2. Infrastructure Project Technical Working Group (IPTWG)

The Infrastructure Project Steering Committee has 12 members, including:

• Mayors of 5 Municipalities• MPDC of 5 Municipalities• SB member of the Infra Committee of 5 municipalities• One (1) Municipal Engineer chosen from amongst the municipalities• Provincial Planning and Development Offi cer• One (1) representative from the Offi ce of the Congressman

The IPSC is tasked to:• Oversee the establishment and implementation of the Infrastructure Project• Discuss and agree on matters related to fund sourcing, appropriation of funds and equity

sharing• Ensure all LGUs equitably benefi t from the Infrastructure Project• Approve the scheduling of projects• Settle disputes among the participating LGUs

The Inter LGU Infrastructure Technical Working Group (IPTWG), on the other hand, is composed of:

• Municipal Engineers from all municipalities• MPDCs from all municipalities• CSO representative (President of the Farmers’ Association?) involved in the Project

Monitoring and Evaluation Committee from each municipality


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The IPTWG has the following mandate:

• Prepare Program of Work for each municipality• Establish and recommend project schedules• Prepare listings of heavy equipment required for the respective projects• Supervise the implementation of the respective projects• Coordinate (jointly with the respective municipalities) the logistical requirements of the

projects• Monitor, evaluate and provide feedback to the IPSC

Project Mechanics To operationalize this project, the fi ve mayors agreed on the following mechanics:

1. The project shall be rotated within the fi ve (5) member municipalities, starting from the municipality/barangay where the need is most crucial, and until such time that all the farm-to-market roads in all the barangays within the Alliance shall have become all-weather roads.

2. Each member municipality shall provide only the road construction equipment needed in the particular project.

3. All the necessary equipment for the project shall be simultaneously mobilized to maximize time and ensure project completion within the target period. Equipment are garaged within the project area throughout project duration, but may be withdrawn at any time by the LGU owner during emergencies.

A fl eet of equipment includes a bulldozer, a grader, a pay loader/back hoe loader, 3-4 dump trucks, and a road compactor. Usually 2 fl eets are deployed in the project to be able to fi nish an aggregate total of 10-15 kilometers of road during the project duration of 10 working days.

4. Each project must have a minimum duration of only ten (10) working days (under normal conditions).

It is recommended that the bulldozer be brought to the project site 2-3 days before the actual project implementation to prepare an adequate amount of quarry materials needed for the project. Implementation of the project takes place in an average of ten (10) days under normal conditions. There is an average of one (1) km. road accomplishment per day. In cases where the conditions are more diffi cult, the host LGU may request for an extension.


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5. The host municipality shall provide for the prime mover/trailer for the transport of the heavy equipment (bulldozer, vibrator/compactor, pay loader).

6. The drivers and operators shall be provided with P200.00/day honorarium each, aside from provision of food and sleeping quarters.

7. The host municipality will provide for the fuel, oil, and lubricants for use of the equipment during the project implementation.

8. The host municipality shall also provide security personnel or peacekeeping forces to secure the project area and its premises.

9. Minor repairs of the equipment costing P1,000.00 or less shall be shouldered by the host LGU, but repair costs over P1,000.00 shall be borne by the LGU owner.

The fi ve (5) mayors also agreed that equipment would come rent free to highlight the bayanihan spirit that they wanted to cultivate. These mechanics were outlined in the memorandum of agreement signed by the 5 mayors

Making Available Appropriate Resources

To show the LGU’s commitment to the alliance, PALMA committed to put up 2million pesos for the project management offi ce that would take charge of the day-to-day operations of the KABALIKAt infrastructure project and other alliance projects. Each LGU agreed to contribute 200,000 pesos per year to the alliance.



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Project Results: Multiplying Resources Lead To Multiple Benefi ts

Sharing resources has resulted in benefi ts that are shared by all 5 municipalities 1. Opening up of upland barangays to development

The project provided upland barangays with access to modern farming upland technology and made basic services from government and the private sector more accessible.

2. Increased agricultural productivity After the completion of the roads, the production of traditional crops such as corn and vegetables increased by as much as 20%.

3. Reduced road construction cost Ordinarily, the cost for the rehabilitation of a barangay farm to market road per kilometer is P800,000.00 to P1M based on the MRDP standard. With the Kabalikat PALMA Infrastructure Project, a 10-15 km all weather FMR cost each LGU/barangay only P350,000 to P500,000 or an estimate of P35,000-50,000 per km. of road. This in turn, freed up more LGU funds for other development projects.

4. Reduced travel distance and time Before the road rehabilitation, the distance and travel time to the town centers took a longer time. After the project was implemented, travel time was reduced to as much as 50%, making travel faster, more convenient and less costly to residents.

5. Reduced transport and passenger fares Passenger fares for both jeepneys (6 wheelers) and “habal-habal” (single motorcycle for hire) were reduced by 20% and transportation costs of products/goods also went down by as much as 60%, contributing to greater savings for commuters and more profi t for farmers.

6. Accessibility of government service and assistance Far fl ung barangays, especially those classifi ed as “critical” areas due to peace and order problems have become more accessible to government services and assistance. The government’s presence through the services being provided is concretely felt by the residents especially in the so-called critical areas. This has, in a way, contributed in addressing some of the peace and order problems affecting the area.

7. Instilling discipline and mutual respect among barangaysThe project also instilled discipline among barangay offi cials who respected the criteria for prioritization of barangays to be served. The pulling out of equipment from the barangay sites where the project is on-going is minimized even if there is a perceived urgent request from other barangays. The diffi culty on the part of the LCE of explaining to the Punong Barangay when such requests are not granted is lessened.


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8. Spreading the spirit of BayanihanIn the meantime, the “bayanihan” spirit that spurred the project has spread to other activities, including the hosting of barangays of the equipment and workers. Preparing food and lodging for the road workers has also become a bayanihan activity at the barangay level. On the side of the fi eld implementors (the drivers and operators of the heavy equipment), the friendship, camaraderie and bonding among themselves motivated them work harder and more effectively, unmindful of additional work hours they need to put in.

REPLICATING THE PALMA KABALIKAT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

The spirit and initiative of KABALIKAT is now being replicated by other LGUs, with the following identifi ed implementation steps.

Key Implementation Steps

A. Pre-Implementation

1. Create an Alliance or Inter-LGU Organizational Structure to Manage the Infrastructure project and two committees are required:• An Infrastructure Project Steering Committee (IPSC); and • A Infrastructure Project Technical Working Group (IPTWG)

Scenario 1: If the LGU wants to create an Alliance like that of PALMA.

a. Conduct meeting of LCEs of participating LGUs to discuss forming of Alliance to be initiated by the Provincial Government. The discussion will focus on the need to create an alliance, how it will be established, how it will be managed, who composes the board, functions and responsibilities of the board, roles and responsibilities of LGUs (contributions), setting up the PMO, drafting of MOA(creation and operationalization of alliance), formulation of strategic plan, manual of operations.

b. Subsequent meeting can focus on defi ning mechanics for implementation, establish criteria to be used in identifying and prioritizing LGU to be initially benefi ted by the project, drafting the MOA and agreeing on project rotation and time-frame.


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Municipal Level Alliance Level

Sangguniang Bayan Resolution

The respective Sangguniang Bayans issue a resolution authorizing the Local Chief Executives to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the other LGUs. The MOA includes the allocation of funds, inventory of heavy equipment and the specifi c details of the implementation mechanics.

Memorandum of agreement and agreement on the implementation mechanics

The MOA includes the allocation of funds, inventory of heavy equipment and the specifi c details of the implementation mechanics.

3. At the municipal level, conduct pre-implementation activities for infrastructure projects including:

a. Establish the criteria for identifying priority barangays and identify/prioritize barangays to be served by project

This can be done through a meeting with the mayor, MPDC , Municipal Engineer and SB committee on infrastructure to formulate and agree on the criteria for identifying priority barangays. Based on the agreed criteria, the group can compile a shortlist of benefi ciary barangays . The list will then forwarded to MDC and SB for approval.

Example of the criteria used as the bases for identifying priority barangays in PALMA: 1) The barangay is not qualifi ed to avail of other foreign assisted projects like the

MRDP, STAR-CM; 2) Far-fl ung/hard-to-reach;

Scenario 2: Setting-up of Inter-LGU Organization Structure to manage the Infrastructure Project in lieu of an alliance PMO

Conduct of meetings among LCEs and other technical staff of participating LGUs to discuss the following:

- Mechanics of implementation - Creation of Inter-LGU Infrastructure Project Steering Committee and TWG - Drafting of MOA

2. Enact appropriate legal and legislative measures to support the project at the alliance and municipal level:


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3) Productive, but economic development is hindered because of the dismal condition of roads;

4) Critical, in terms of peace and order situation where government service has not been felt by the constituents.

b. Present the Barangay Short list to the Municipal Development Council for deliberation. The Municipal Development Council (MDC), after deliberation, recommends the inclusion of the identifi ed priority barangays in the allocation of funds in the Annual Investment Plan (AIP). (The MDC planning and budgeting usually takes place in October). The AIP is submitted to the Sangguniang Bayan for approval of budget allocation.

c. Conduct a survey of the roads in the selected barangays• Road survey usually takes one week. • Barangay counterpart to the Project is discussed during this time. • The Punong Barangay (barangay chair) negotiates for the deed of donation for the

road right of way (ROW) .

d. Prepare the Program of Work• Municipal Engineer prepares the Program of Work and submits the list of equipment

needed to the Local Chief Executive. • The LCE endorses the request to the PMO for the preparation of the communication

indicating the list of the needed equipment to be fi elded for the project and its subsequent distribution

e. Create a working Committee to support the project at the barangay level, including committee on accommodation, food preparation and Peace and Order.

f. Prepare a budget for day-to-day operationsThe LCE can set a meeting with the Municipal Budget Offi cer, the Municipal Accountant, and the Municipal Treasurer, to discuss fund releases and person/s responsible for cash withdrawals from the Municipal Treasurer for the day-to-day necessary expenses of the Project.

g. Obtain the heavy equipment from other LGUs The PMO prepares the communication addressed to the other four (4) LCEs thru the respective Municipal Engineers specifying the specifi c equipment needed to be fi elded for the project and to the Provincial Engineer for the use of the Prime Mover/Trailer.

h. Prepare the opening ceremony (launching) in the Barangay


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B. Project Implementation

1. Conduct an opening ceremony at the Barangay level where each road project is undertaken

2. Implement the infrastructure project

3. Supervise and monitor the project The host LGU Project Engineer and a PMO representative monitors the timeliness, quality of work and compliance based on the program of work, as well as identifi es minor problems and interventions needed.

4. Facilitate Project Completion, Turn-Over, Socialization and Fellowship

5. Prepare for Reporting and Feedbacking to the IPSC

• Submit Accomplishments Report to the participating municipalities and the provincial government

• Ensure equipment check and maintenance by proceeding to check the condition of the equipment and undertaking appropriate maintenance.

• Initiate preparations and project cycle for the next Project

6. Conduct Information and Promotion Activities to Build Popular Support

Examples of activities undertaken by PALMA Alliance: 1-hour PALMA Alliance Radio program aired every Friday afternoon over Radio Station DXMS and the quarterly publication of the alliance “KABALIKAT”



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Key Implementation Steps/Stage Timeline Estimated budget required

1. Create an Alliance or Inter-LGU organizational structure

Cost of series of meetings/workshops such as; meals and snacks, accommodation for live-in workshops, traveling expenses of LGU staff for live-out workshops (especially in formulating the MOA, Manual of Operations, Strategic Plan) , Honoraria of Facilitators, supplies and materials, reproduction of documents.

1.1 Scenario 1: Creating an Alliance 4-6 months Cost of meetings such as; meals and snacks, supplies and materials.

1.2 Scenario 2: Setting-up of Inter-LGU Organization Structure to manage the Infrastructure Project in lieu of an alliance PMO

3 -4 weeks Traveling expenses of LGU offi cials and staff attending the meetings.

2. Enact legal and legislative measures None

3. Sign Memorandum of Agreement among LGUs

½ day Cost of snacks for the ceremonial signing of MOA

4. Municipal Level Pre Implementation 1 week and 2 days

a. Identify priority projects per municipality / Make Short list

2 days

b. Approval of the short listed barangays to the MDC and SB for budgetary allocation

1 week Cost of meetings

c. Conduct survey of roads in shortlisted barangays

1 week Meals and snacks of surveyors, fuel and gasoline for the vehicle used in the survey .

Meals and snacks:P 250/surveyor x 9 surveyors x 5 days = P 11,250.00 Fuel and gasoline: P 500.00 for 5 days survey

d. Submit program of work prepared by municipal engineer to PMO

2 weeks Supplies and materials

Table 1. Reference Matrix for Replication


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e. Create working committees at the barangay level to support the project

1 day None

f. Prepare a budget for the day to day operations of the project

1 day None

g. Get heavy equipment from participating LGUs

3 days Fuel and gasoline for the prime mover: P 3,600.00

Honorarium of operators/drivers of prime mover: P500/unit x 5 units= P2,500

h. Prepare for the opening ceremony 2 days Supplies and materials for the stage decors and printing and reproduction of invitation and program

PROJECT-IMPLEMENTATION PHASE

5. Conduct an opening ceremony/project launch per project

1 day Cost of meals and snacks, supplies and materials for printing and reproduction of program and invitation

6. Implement the project 2 weeks (under normal condition)

10 working days –Monday-Saturday Sunday-rest day

P 35,000 – P 50,000/kilometer for the rehabilitation and improvement of roadP 50,000 – 70,000/kilometer for opening of new road

This cost is already inclusive of the following expenditures: Honoraria of Driver- P200/day Meals and snacks of drivers:Repairs and Maintenance Fuel and gasolineTotal Project Cost: For 10-15 km. road – P 350,000.00 to P 500,000.00

7. Project Supervision and Monitoring On daily basis until the completion of project

Cost of fuel and gasoline for the vehicle used in monitoring


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Lessons for Replication: Keeping the Engines Running

The PALMA experience shows that the Kabalikat project can be replicated easily by any cluster of contiguous LGUs who have heavy equipment. Replicators, however, need to ensure that the following elements are present in their LGUs for project success:

1. Awareness and sensitivity of mayors to the urgency of the needs so that they would set aside political affi liations and ensure the immediate implementation of the project.

2. Strong bond and camaraderie/friendship and unity among member LCEs and their unselfi sh attitude to share resources

3. Willingness of LGUs to pool their heavy equipment and other resources

4. Full support of their respective Sangguniang Bayan

5. Barangay counterparting to the project

6. Support and commitment of the Provincial Government

7. Inclusion of project budget in the Annual Investment Plan of municipalities and barangays.

8. Regular reporting/feedbacking of PMO to the PALMA Alliance Board


8. Project Completion and Turnover8.1 Formal Turn-over ceremony 8.2 Socialization and fellowship for

drivers and operators of heavy equipment

1 day Cost of meals and snacks, supplies and materials for the printing of program and invitation.


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Construction of the Alamada Tinaguman-Suli-Kisulao Road


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ANNEXES“ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL”

BUILDING LGU ALLIANCES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

The Kabalikat PALMA Infrastructure Project of the PALMA Alliance: Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap, & Aleosan

Cotabato Province


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Annex A: Sample Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for KPIP

Sample MOA with information on:- Brief description of the project - Mechanics of implementation- Conditions of the implementation

This document is necessary for LGUs wanting to implement the Kabalikat PALMA Infrastructure Project (KPIP), and falls under Step # 3- Memorandum of Agreement on the Implementation mechanics.

Sample Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

This Memorandum of Agreement is made and entered into this ___________ day of _______, between and among the municipalities comprising the _________Alliance.

As follows:

Municipal Government of _______________________________________ represented herein By Mayor______________________________________________________________________




WITNESSETH

That the “ Kabalikat Insfrastructure Program is aimed at helping the LGUs comprising the _______________________ Alliance in the immediate and effective delivery of Infrastructure services thru equitable sharing of their resources specially equipment with the aim of fast-tracking the rehabilitation of roads in the alliance.

That the above-mentioned parties do hereby agree with the conditions hereunder stipulated for the implementation of Kabalikat Infrastructure Program as follows:


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1. The component municipalities shall have a composite equipment pool and shall detail equipment as their counterpart in the operation of the pool;

2. The equipment to be detailed as follows: Municipality/City------Grader, Dump truck, Payloader Municipality/City-----Grader, Dump truck, Bulldozer Municipality/City----Grader, dump truck, loader,compactor

3. The requesting municipality shall provide the fuel and oil including the honorarium of the operator;

4. The equipment shall stay with the requesting LGU for a maximum period of two (2)weeks or equivalent to ten (10) working days;

5. The repair and maintenance cost. If in case the equipment is borrowed by the component LGUs, P 1,000 below should be shouldered by the borrower of equipment and P 1,000 above will be shouldered by the owner of the equipment;

6. Transportation cost of hauling of the Bulldozer and Road Roller/Compactor shall be shouldered by the borrower LGU;

7. Difference arising from out of the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled amicably through consultations or negotiations between and among the PARTIES;

8. This agreement may be altered, modifi ed, or amended in writing by mutual consent of the PARTIES concerned;

9. This shall take effect on the date of its signing and shall be in force for a period of three (3) years unless it is sooner terminated or extended by mutual consent of the PARTIES;

10. The component municipality may, at anytime whenever it determines for any reason that termination as in its best interest, terminates the contract, by giving 30 days prior written notice thereof to the contracting parties;

11. This agreement shall be binding upon majority votes of the members of the Board;


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the PARTIES have hereunto affi xed their signatures on this _______day of ________,200_ at _________, Philippines.

_____________Alliance Municipalities/Cities:

___________________ ___________________Municipal/City Mayor Municipal/City Mayor

__________________ ___________________Municipal/City Mayor Municipal/City Mayor

WITNESSES:

__________________ __________________

20Alliance%202004

Documents

palma kabalikat infrastructure

palma alliance

government of canada

dump truck

infrastructure services

road grader bulldozer

backhoe loader

road construction equipment