The Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) is a five-year (20092014), Php4.

3 billion (A$100-million) development initiative of the Governments of the Philippines and Australia. Through PRMF, the Australian Government helps provincial governments to put in place the governance systems that will enable them to maintain their roads over time, while rehabilitating and maintaining a core road network in up to 10 provinces in Mindanao and the Visayas. PRMF aims to boost the local economy by improving road transport so that more people will have better access to rehabilitated and maintained road networks, economic activity and public infrastructure and services that will improve their livelihoods. Better roads will also improve access to jobs, health services and essential social and educational facilities in rural and regional areas.

The Partnership
The long term sustainability of the reforms rests on the partnership between the national and local governments, the private sector, and civil society. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are the major partners and provide the needed resources. All of these stakeholders recognize the importance of investing in road infrastructure to develop the local economies. Key provincial partners include: Agusan del Sur, Bohol, Bukidnon, Guimaras, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Aklan, Davao del Norte and Lanao del Norte.

4.

Transparent Procurement Process PRMF is working with the provincial governments to improve competitive bidding, contract development, and records management, including contracting out of road services. Compliance with government procurement rules and regulations promotes transparent, efficient, and accountable government, and fair competition in the private sector.

5.

Human Resources Development and Management PRMF is helping to strengthen the skills and competencies of provincial government staff so that they are able to deliver a more efficient and effective road network management.

Five Key Reform Areas

1. Sustainable Road Services Planning and Delivery PRMF assists partner provincial governments to rehabilitate and maintain a core network of provincial gravel roads at a defined quality standard and using the most cost-effective methods. 2. Transparent and Accountable Budget and Expenditure Management PRMF works closely with partner provincial governments to strengthen their budgeting, financial, revenue generation, and expenditure management systems. These will help provincial governments develop realistic revenue forecasts and therefore ensure that there are sufficient funds to maintain their roads over time. 3. Fully Functional Internal Control System and Internal Audit PRMF assists provincial governments to improve their internal audit and internal control system to help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the allocation, utilisation and reporting of budgeted funds. This will also help ensure that provincial governments resources are used for their intended purposes.

Principles of Engagement
PRMF will use government systems to reinforce accountability and transparency and to inspire continuing support from the stakeholders. PRMF will involve civil society organizations and local communities in making government more accountable for its decisions and for its use of public funds. PRMF will promote the interests of women, men, children, and disadvantaged groups and supports environmental sustainability in the decisions of the partner governments. PRMF road designs take disability issues and access limitations into account and are based on gender sensitive analysis to maximize the benefits from road rehabilitation and maintenance. PRMF also monitors the impact of the road program on conflict situations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION See www.prmf.org.ph or contact

OIBONE C. ENOBIO Communications Officer Philippines Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) Supported by Australian Aid Coffey International Development 19th Floor, Salcedo Towers, 169 H.V dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines T (+63) (2) 753 1241 ext 108 F (+63) (2) 753 2150 M (+63) (917) 590 6941 Email: PRMF@ prmf.org.ph