QUEZON CITY, Apr. 22-25— Four (4) out of seven (7) project proposals crafted during the Training on Project Proposal Packaging conducted by the Office of Project Development Services (OPDS) were centered on the development priorities in the region.

Strengthening the internal capacities of the Project Development and Management Units (PDMUs) at the regional and provincial levels, the training aimed to equip the participants with the skills to transform project concept notes or feasibility studies into full-fledged proposals ready for submission to funding institutions.

OPDS Business and Program Development Unit (BPDU) LGOO VI Paul Montano underscored in his opening message the critical role of the PDMUs in bridging national and local plans and strengthening public trust through effective service delivery.

“The core of our advocacy is always about unlocking resources,” he said.

LGOO VI Montano also emphasized the importance of aligning the proposals with development frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Philippine Development Plan (PDP),  Ambisyon Natin 2040, and funders’ requirements.

The training was facilitated by development consultant Maxine Tanya M. Hamada, who led technical sessions on goal-setting, budgeting, storytelling for development, and funder-aligned proposal packaging.

While the participants were divided into seven (7) cross-regional groups, four (4) of their final outputs identified Northern Mindanao as the primary beneficiary, using current data from the various LGU’s Executive-Legislative Agendas (ELAs) and local development plans.

Despite the internal ranking, the OPDS assured that all proposals crafted by the groups would be submitted to the Central Office for possible or probable funding, as efforts are ongoing to link projects with appropriate funders.

LGOO VI Montano congratulated and praised all the participants for being able to produce strong proposals within a short period of time. He emphasized that it’s good to see more great minds who go above and beyond compliance to genuinely assist LGUs in finding sustainable solutions to their development needs.

The proposals are now set for further review of the DILG Central Office and alignment with potential funding sources. The OPDS also committed to assisting the groups in refining their proposals and linking them with development partners. (𝘿𝙄𝙇𝙂 𝙋𝘿𝙈𝙐/ 𝙋. 𝙁𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙖)