National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretariat
CY 2009 Physical Accomplishment Report
The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) was
created by virtue of Republic Act No. 8425 or the “Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act” that became effective in
30 June 1998.
THE
NAPC SECRETARIAT
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The Macropolicy Unit (MPU) was created in 2001 for the macro- and
cross-sectoral concerns of the Commission.
Its primary responsibilities are to (1) develop poverty reduction
strategies and integrate such into national and local plans; (2) develop and
monitor cross-sectoral policies; and (3) advocate and develop tools to assist
in poverty monitoring and assessment.
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The Micro-Finance Unit (MFU) was created In June 2004 by virtue of
Special Order 2004-22 to assist NAPC in pursuing the development of the
microfinance industry and ensuring the integrated delivery of sustainable
microfinancial services to the poor. Its
responsibilities are (1) the development of a policy environment that supports
the growth of pro-poor Filipino microfinance, especially in the area of savings
generation; (2) the rationalization of existing government programs for
credit/guarantee; (3) the utilization of existing government financial entities
for the provision of microfinance products and services for the poor; and (d)
the promotion of mechanisms necessary for the implementation of microfinance
services, including indigenous microfinance practices.
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The Basic Sector Unit (BSU) is the unit primarily responsible for coordinating
and ensuring the participation of the 14 basic sectors identified in the Social
Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act in the governance processes by providing
support for meetings that require sectoral representation, the preparation of
correspondences to requests and queries, coordination with national and
government agencies, and basic sector capability-building.
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The Localization Unit (LU) is responsible for introducing the
government’s poverty reduction strategy into the systems of local
governments. The unit is also accountable
for strengthening and sustaining the anti-poverty convergence mechanism at the
regional level as mandated under Memorandum Circular No. 33, series of 2002 or
the Institutionalization of KALAHI as the Government’s program for poverty
reduction, and the convergence policy stipulated under item (2) of Section 5 of
Republic Act No. 8425.
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The Water and Sanitation Coordination Office (WASCO) facilitates
and monitors the implementation of the President’s Priority Program on Water
(P3W).
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The Media Bureau is tasked with implementing public relations and
social marketing activities that promote social reform and poverty reduction
programs of the government, as well as encourage support and cooperation of the
various sectors in the realization of these objectives.
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The Administrative and Finance Unit (AFU) is responsible for
overseeing the general operations of the NAPC Secretariat, which includes
payroll, employee benefits, procurement and the like.
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The Management Information System (MIS) is responsible for
maintaining and updating of, as deemed necessary, the Secretariat’s hardware
and software. It is also tasked with constantly updating the NAPC website.
This report provides information concerning the key
accomplishments of the NAPC Secretariat for 2009. The accomplishments are catalogued by Major
Final Output.
MAJOR FINAL OUTPUT #1:
PLANS/POLICY FORMULATION AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
1.1 Development of pro-poor
policies, guidelines, and issuances, necessary measures, i.e. resource
mobilization, research, IEC development, publication and dissemination
1.1.1
Conduct of Technical Consultation on the Review of National Government
Agencies’ (NGAs) Anti-Poverty Programs and Projects and Proposed Measures towards
a More Effective and Focused Pro-Poor Programs
The NAPC Macro-Policy Unit
(MPU) led the Technical Consultation on the “Review of National Government Agencies’ Anti-Poverty Programs and
Projects and Proposed Measures towards a More Effective and Focused Pro-Poor
Programs” on 26 February 2009 in Linden Suites, Pasig City. The study, which was
conducted by Dr. Leonardo Gonzales, aims to develop a more effective, more
focused pro-poor programs and projects in reducing human poverty and in
attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Specifically, the study
seeks to (a) identify and classify on-going anti-poverty efforts for asset
reform, participatory governance, livelihood and employment, social protection,
and human development; (b) analyze these programs and determine which should be
continued or terminated; (c) define institutional arrangements for program
management, particularly with regards to the role of NAPC in their
implementation; (d) recommend: (d.1) anti-poverty programs and projects that
should be enhanced, discontinued and maintained; (d.2) new pro-poor programs
and projects, if any; (d.3) identification of gaps and recommendations from
assessment of existing structures and arrangements.
The technical consultation
was funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to gather inputs
and solicit comments from various National Government Agencies (NGAs), academe,
and NGOs to help enhance the study.
1.1.2
Research/Review and Provision of Inputs and Comments to Policy Papers
and Other Documents
As part of MPU’s task to
design and conduct policy research and development for accelerating and
achieving pro-poor thrusts and targets, the unit provided comments and inputs
on “Monitoring of Implementation and
Early Impacts of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP),
Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), and the
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)”. The unit also provided
assistance in the research of other policy papers such as Guidelines for Republic
Act 9509 or the Act Establishing
Livelihood and Skills Training Centers in Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Class
Municipalities and For Other Purposes; Social Protection for the Informal
and other Vulnerable Sectors; National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP) based
on AO 163, Strengthening and Increasing the Membership of the Presidential
Human Rights Committee and Expanding Further the Functions of the said
Committee; and Benefits and Privileges Accorded to Senior Citizens.
Comments were provided by
the agency on the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and
the Pacific (ESCAP) document entitled: “Implementation
of Commission Resolution 65/4 on The Strengthening of the Centre for
Alleviation of Poverty through Secondary Crops Development in Asia and the
Pacific (CAPSA).” It has also conducted research on the Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation (BMGF) Financial Services for the Poor grant as well as
organizations that have received funding. The Unit has likewise drafted a
resolution for the UN General Assembly on "Legal Empowerment of the Poor and Eradication of Poverty."
1.1.3
Conduct of Staff Development and Training
The MPU and MIS technical
staff completed a Technical Writing and Presentation Skills Training Workshop
held on 02-04 December 2009 at the Melchora Aquino Hall, 2/F Agricultural Training
Institute (ATI) Building, Elliptical Road, Quezon City. This training workshop aims
to provide the basics on technical writing and skills for presentations. The
workshop culminated last 18 December 2009 with individual
presentations, as well as some take-away exercises, wherein the basic
principles of technical writing and skills for presentations were applied.
1.1.4
Development of Micro-Insurance Regulatory Framework
Micro-insurance is defined
as an activity providing specific insurance, insurance-like and other similar
products and services that meet the needs of the low income sector for risk
protection and relief against distress, misfortune and other contingent events.
The Micro-Insurance Regulatory
Framework outlines the government’s policy thrusts and directions for the
establishment of a policy and regulatory environment that will encourage,
enhance and facilitate the safe and sound provisions of micro-insurance
products and services by the private sectors. It is also expected to identify
and promote a system that will protect the rights and privileges of those who
are insured.
The Asian Development Bank
(ADB) funded series of Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings to draft the
micro-insurance regulatory framework from March to May 2009. TWG members are
composed of the following government sectors: Department of Finance (DOF),
Insurance Commission (IC), Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP), Security and
Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and National
Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) while private sectors include the Life and
Non-life Insurance Companies, Cooperative Insurance Societies, Microfinance
Council of the Philippines (MCP) and Mutual Benefit Association (MBAs).
The Draft of Micro-Insurance
Regulatory Framework was presented and approved by the Steering Committee last 16 June 2009 at Stotsenberg Hotel, Clarkfield.
Seven regional
consultation meetings were conducted to present the draft regulatory framework
to the partners MFIs, sectors for comments and suggestions. Last 20 November 2009, the draft of the regulatory framework for
micro-insurance was finalized considering the suggestions and recommendation
were raised during the consultation meetings. Furthermore, the Technical
Working Group presented the said framework to and was approved by the members
of the Steering Committee on 11 December 2009 at EDSA Shangri-la.
The Micro-Insurance
Regulatory Framework is set to be launched together with the National Strategy
for Micro-Insurance on 29 January 2010 at the Philippine
International Convention Center (PICC). Carrying the theme “Magpaseguro Para Protektado” (“get insured to be protected”), the event
is expected to be attended by at least 300 guests which include stakeholders
and partner agencies like the ADB and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ).
1.1.5
Capacity Building for NAPC Secretariat -
Gender and Development (GAD)
Orientation
The Gender and Development
(GAD) Orientation is one of the activities of the Gender Responsive Economic
Actions for the Transformation of Women (GREAT) Women Project funded by the
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and implemented by the
National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW). The activity
primarily aims to promote awareness of NAPC Secretariat on GAD Policies &
Concepts and how to apply it. It was
attended by 57 participants. The event was conducted last 15 March 2009 at Cravings Restaurant, Quezon City.
Last 26-28 August 2009,
Gender Analysis Training and Gender Responsive Planning Workshop was conducted.
The Capacity Building for NAPC Secretariat
mainly expects to broaden the knowledge and increase the skills of the NAPC
Secretariat staff on the concepts and applications of gender and development.
Specifically, the GRP workshop aims to identify the NAPC GAD Focal
Point/Committee; and to develop the abilities of NAPC Secretariat staff towards
formulation of gender responsive plans and programs.
1.2 Policy and Oversight
1.2.1
Convening of the NAPC Cabinet Group Meetings
to address major concerns in the implementation of the government’s development
(poverty reduction and social reform agenda
The NAPC Secretariat provided technical and
administrative support for the Cabinet Secretariat during twenty-three (23) Cabinet
Group Meetings (i.e., NAPC, NAPC-NEDA), sixteen (16) Cabinet Assistance System
(CAS) Meetings, and two (2) Special Cabinet Meetings on the Comprehensive
Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP). The Secretariat also took
the lead in the preparation of updates on Presidential Directives arising from Cabinet
Meetings.
1.2.2
Updates on the NAPC Secretariat’s Compliance
to the Presidential Directives
Part of the regular tasks of NAPC is to report
to the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) the compliance of the Secretariat to
the Presidential Directives during Cabinet Assistance System (CAS) Meetings. To
monitor also the commitment of the agency to the State of the Nation Address (SONA)
of the President, PMS instructed NAPC to prepare the Secretariat’s compliance
to 2007, 2008, and 2009 Presidential Directives.
1.2.3
Report on Activities of the NAPC Secretariat
Contributory to the Attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
On the institutionalization of reporting of
budget allocation and expenditures of government agencies and local government
units (LGUs) on MDG-related PAPs, National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA) requested oversight agencies like NAPC to prepare a narrative report on
policy development, technical assistance, facilitation, advocacy, and
monitoring activities that are contributory to the achievement of the MDGs. The
agency enumerated MDG-related Program, Activities and Projects (PAPs) that were
based on the policy study on the National and Local Government Expenditures on
the MDGs by Dr. Rosario Manasan. NAPC’s pro-poor PAPs includes advocacy efforts
for the promotion, adoption and nationwide implementation of the
Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) as the monitoring tool for the
localization and achievement of the MDGs; coordination and monitoring of the Kapit-Bisig
Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) Program as the country’s focused, accelerated,
convergent, expanded strategic program to reduce poverty; and coordination on
the formulation of the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment
Program (CLEEP).
1.2.4
Endorsement of Grant Proposals to the People’s
Development Trust Fund (PDTF) Secretariat
The implementation of a
widespread information and advocacy campaign is one of the agency’s primary
strategies for the expansion of micro-finance and micro-enterprise services for
poor folk throughout the country. NAPC issued a nationwide Call for Microfinance Capacity Building proposals to broaden
public awareness about the People’s Development Trust Fund (PDTF). The activity
served to widen the opportunities of organizations that implement microfinance
and micro-enterprise projects.
As a result of the
conducted PDTF road shows which promoted and called for submission of proposals
for PDTF grant funding, the unit has already received and endorsed two (2)
proposals to the PDTF Secretariat for further evaluation. The two proposals
were from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of DARAM and Paracellis San Gabriel
Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Pharmacy last January 2009.
Another two (2) grant proposals were received and initially
evaluated in terms of completeness of the required documents and were endorsed
to the PDTF Secretariat for further evaluation and processing, namely Northern
Luzon Federation of Coops and Development Center and Kabalikat para sa Maunlad
na Buhay, Inc.
1.3 Poverty
Data Collection, Analysis and Utilization in Aid of Policy Making
The National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB)
Technical Committee on Poverty Statistics (TCPS) regularly meets to discuss
issues and plans on the improvement of the methodology for the estimation of
official poverty statistics. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy
and Planning (OAS-PP) participated in the meeting of the TCPS held on 04 September 2009. The OAS-PP
presented the issues and recommendations relative to the improving the
relevance, coverage and timeliness of poverty statistics.
1.4
Formulation and Consolidation of Annual Work
plan, Accomplishment Reports and Plan and Budget Proposal
The NAPC Macro-Policy Unit led the design and
completion of the agency’s 2010 Plan and Budget Proposal. The unit prepared and
calculated budgetary requirements using Agency Performance Measures, MFO Budget
Matrix, as well as the accomplishment reports of various units. The Senate has
approved the Secretariat’s budget at PhP72.989 Million, plus an insertion of
PhP40 Million.
MAJOR FINAL OUTPUT #2:
ADVOCACY, NETWORKING AND PARTNERSHIP-BUILDING
2.1
Institutionalization,
mainstreaming and localization of convergence approaches at the regional and
local government systems
2.1.1
Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS)
The NAPC Secretariat, in
cooperation with CBMS Network Team of the Angelo King Institute (AKI) of De La
Salle University (DLSU), continues to instruct and guide local governments on
the use of the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS). The system is an
organized process of data collection and processing at the local level. The
data collected through CBMS is then integrated into local planning, program
implementation and impact-monitoring.
For the
first semester, the NAPC pool of trainers and AKI’s CBMS Network Team were able
to conduct the Module 4 - Socio-Economic Profile and Baranggay Development Plan Writeshop in
Zamboanga del Norte last 31 March – 3 April 2009. The province committed to fully
implementing the CBMS and submitting their provincial data by the end of July.
MPU also
took part in the conduct of the Nationwide Advocacy Forum for the Installation
of the CBMS in Local Planning System – Luzon leg that
was held last 4 February 2009 at Regalla
Tower Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City. The unit
provided technical and administrative support to UNDP on this activity.
By the third
quarter, CBMS Provincial Presentations were conducted in Zamboanga del Norte,
Saranggani and Zamboanga del Sur, as well as a CBMS Mindanao Forum was
conducted last 19 August
2009 in Davao City. These fora
were conducted with funding support from UNDP.
2.1.2
Advocacy
Forum for the Operationalization of the CBMS National Repository
Under the
UNDP Study entitled “Scaling Up of CBMS
Adoption, Implementation and Monitoring towards Effective Policymaking and
Governance at Local and National Levels,” MPU took the lead in the conduct
of advocacy forum for the operationalization of the CBMS National Repository.
The forum was held last 25 March
2009 in Astoria Plaza, Ortigas Center.
This
activity was undertaken to familiarize NGAs on the concept and design of the
CBMS National Repository; present and explain the policies and procedures of
accessing and using CBMS data in their own planning, monitoring, and evaluation
endeavors; and generate comments/suggestions to enhance CBMS National Repository
concept and operating policies.
Participants
from different government agencies attended the said forum. Invited speakers
include Ms. Josefina dela Cuadra of PhilHealth, Mayor Antonio Raymundo of
Orion, Bataan and City Planning and Development
Coordinator Engr. Merlita Lagmay of Pasay City.
2.1.3
Facilitation of Regional KALAHI Convergence Group (RKCG) Meetings
The RKCGs are the
NAPC’s representation at the sub-national levels. As such, the RKCGs shepherd
the anti-poverty reduction initiatives of the national government agencies,
Local Government Units (LGUs), and other government and non-government agencies
in the regions. It is headed by the Presidential Assistants for Regional
Development (PAs) and supported by the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) Regional Offices (ROs).
The Localization Unit
(LU) facilitated and assisted the conduct of twenty-eight (28) regular RKCG
quarterly meetings from January to November 15. The unit also facilitated and
assisted in special RKCG and TWG meetings in eight (8) regions, CAR, III, IV-A,
X, XI, XII, ARMM and NCR. It likewise assisted the NEDA Regional Office (NROs)
and the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Regional Development (OPARDs) in
formulating their meeting agenda.
LU also pushed for the
active participation of the basic sectors in the RKCG meetings, strongly
recommending that the basic sector council members residing in the region be
invited to all RKCG meetings.
In view of the need to
ensure the smooth implementation of the CLEEP,
the Localization Unit was instructed by the NAPC Lead Convenor to
organize the Secretary’s Meeting with the Presidential Assistants. This was
held on 12 February 2009 at the Maria Orosa
Hall, Agricultural Training Institute
(ATI) Building, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. The PAs were oriented
on the concept and their roles and responsibilities on the CLEEP as heads of
the RCKGs. Other development issues discussed in the meeting were the Peace
Corps Volunteers Program, and the Accreditation of Basic Sectors under
Administrative Order No. 187.
2.1.4
Conduct of Ugnayan Laban sa Kahirapan
The Ugnayan Laban sa
Kahirapan (Ugnayan) program involves the provision of assistance to communities in the country’s 15
poorest provinces and the NCR. Such assistance involves rapid participatory
community diagnosis, facilitation of identified critical needs like water,
electricity and other utilities through the convergence approach,
organizational development, conduct of community-identified livelihood skills
training, and facilitation for the conduct of microfinance education.
The Localization Unit (LU)
conducted eight (8) community consultations in eight (8) areas in the NCR and
Region III, namely: Marikina City; Muntinlupa City; Parañaque City; Valenzuela City; Parola, Binondo; Sucat,
Paranaque; Towerville, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; and Payatas, Quezon City. The LU also monitored
the delivery of services to NKCG Ugnayan areas initially covered in 2008. There
were ten areas monitored, namely: Smokey Mountain; Navotas; Payatas, Quezon
City; Muntinlupa; Malabon; Marikina; Parañaque; Valenzuela; Parola, Binondo;
and Sucat, Parañaque.
NAPC, through LU, has
coordinated and participated in the delivery of critical development needs to
various KALAHI or Ugnayan areas. A total of fifty-three (53) meetings were
attended and participated in. These meetings are as follows: (1) “PGMA Serbisyo
Muna” at PAGCOR” and “PGMA Full Serbisyo Muna Caravan” in seven different areas;
(2) coordination meetings for KALAHI Karabans in Region IV-A; (3) coordination
meetings for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in DSWD-NCR; (4) Metro
Manila Inter-Agency Committee (MIMIAC) Meeting on Informal Settlers in NCR; (5)
Advocacy Forum for LGU Policy and Program Support for the Basic Sectors in
Crowne Plaza, Ortigas Center, Quezon City; (6) Special RKCG Meeting regarding
Peace Caravan in San Fernando, Pampanga; (7) RKCG IV-A Preparatory Meeting
& AHMP Caravan at Patnanungan and Jomalig, Quezon; (8) Financial Literacy
Trainer's Training-Seminar in Municipalities of Talibon and Carmen, Bohol; and
(9) Community Based Monitoring System at Davao.
To enhance the
implementation of the Ugnayan, a Memorandum of Agreement, detailing the
respective institutional roles and responsibilities in the Ugnayan, was signed
in February 2009 among the NAPC, Office of the President’s Office of External
Affairs, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Through this Memorandum of Agreement,
Ugnayan was dubbed “Bayanihan Laban sa
Pandaigdigang Krisis” and has since become part of the Government’s efforts
to reduce the impacts of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. Initial results of
this collaboration were the allocation of 85 training scholarship grants by
TESDA.
2.1.5
Provision of Emergency Measures for the Victims of Calamities and
Disasters
The Office of the
Undersecretary, in cooperation with the OAS-PP as well as NAPC Secretariat
Workers’ Association (NAPSWA), aided in the mobilization and dissemination of
relief goods for victims of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. A total of six hundred
and seventy (670) families from Marikina City, Novaliches and Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, and Bayambang, Pangasinan
received relief good packages.
2.1.6
Conduct of Financial Literacy Training in Ugnayan Communities
The Financial Literacy
Training aims to institutionalize the delivery of financial education for the
poor in the Ugnayan communities in National Capital Region. Baseco, Parola and
Payatas are just three of the seven areas where this training program has been
implemented. A total of sixty-six (66) participants completed the Financial
Literacy Training held in these areas alone.
2.1.7
Conduct of PDTF Orientations for Local Government Units (LGUs), Basic
Sectors (BS) and Other Networks
The PDTF orientation is a continuous activity of
information dissemination to Local Government Units (LGUs), Basic Sectors (BS)
and Networks which further promote and call for Proposals to all eligible
grantees for grant fund for capacity building to the institutions involved in
microfinance services. The unit has conducted eighteen (18) PDTF orientations
to the eleven (11) Basic Sectors which includes the following: Indigenous
Peoples (IPs), Fisherfolk, Victims in Disaster and Calamities (VDC), Senior
Citizens, Farmers, Women, Workers of Informal Sector (WIS), Cooperatives, Urban
Poor and Formal Labor & Migrant Workers (FLMW). Also, one Non-Government
Organization (NGO) in Mandaluyong has been oriented as possible grantee and four
(4) Regional KALAHI Convergence Group (RKCG) have been oriented for Region VII,
I, IV-A and VI.
The Micro-Finance Unit
(MFU) of NAPC extended orientations to MFIs during the three (3) conducts of MF
exposure visits. These visits were done in Claveria Agri-Based Cooperatives of
Claveria, Cagayan, First Consolidated Bank of Bohol, and Taytay Sa Kauswagan
Inc. in Iloilo.
2.1.8
Conduct of Basic Sector Council (BSC)
Meetings
The NAPC Secretariat,
through the Basic Sector Unit (BSU), facilitates the conduct of quarterly Basic
Sector Council meetings. There are 14 Basic Sector Councils, namely: Farmers
and Landless Rural Workers, Artisanal Fisherfolk, Urban Poor, Indigenous
Peoples and Cultural Communities, Workers in the Formal Sector and Migrant
Workers, Workers in the Informal Sector, Women, Children, Youth and Students,
Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, Victims of Disasters and
Calamities, Non-Government Organizations, and Cooperatives.
The meetings gather the
BSC members and leaders regularly with government agencies, allied civil
society organizations, and other development partners to share information and
discuss pressing problems, issues and constraints that hinder or slow down
sectoral development, and agree on the measures to take to address them, including
the formulation and advocacy of policies and programs. Consistent with the “Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan” (KALAHI)
framework, the thematic foci of the agenda are asset reform, human development
services and social protection, livelihood and employment, and governance and
institutional capacity building.
The BSU has assisted in the
conduct of thirty-seven (37) council meetings. These council meetings yielded ninety-three
(93) resolutions on various administrative and developmental concerns.
Issues on Sectoral Agenda and Plans, the
Regional KALAHI Convergence Groups, and concerns relative to partnerships with
government agencies were discussed by twelve (12) of the fourteen (14) Sectoral
Councils. NAPC-related concerns, such as directives and issuances, per diems,
IDs, accomplishment reports, and Sectoral Representative Coordination travels,
were tackled by nine (9) Sectoral Councils.
Microfinance/PDTF issues and legislative matters relative to the sectors
were included in the agenda of eight (8) Sectoral Councils. The Basic Sector participation in governance
or representation in local government bodies/units/programs was included in the
agenda of six (6) Sectoral Councils. The
conduct of upcoming council meetings and Basic Sector participation and agenda
in the 2010 elections were discussed by three (3) Sectoral Councils.
2.1.9
Conduct of Quarterly Sectoral Representative
Council (SRC)/Basic Sector Forum (BSF) Meetings
The Sectoral Representatives Council (SRC) is
composed of all fourteen (14) Sectoral Representatives, or the appointed (Presidential)
heads of the BSCs. The SRC has the following functions: (a) serves as a venue
for consolidating the basic sectors’ positions on problems, issues, needs and
concerns that affect them; (b) provides
support to cross-sectoral concerns and linkage with national NGAs and LGUs; (c) initiates,
formulates and develops cross-sectoral programs; (d) consolidates the basic
sectors’ position and agenda for presentation to the NAPC En Banc; (e) formulates
common/united stand on issues affecting the basic sectors that require immediate and urgent
action; (f) deals with the government and the private sector as a solid
official body; and (g) assists in accessing resources for the program and
activities of the sectoral councils. The SRC conducts its regular meeting at
least two days before every scheduled NAPC En Banc Meeting.
Because only nine (9) of the fourteen (14) Sectoral
Councils have appointed Sectoral Representatives, the SRC cannot be
convened. In place of the SRC, the Sectoral
Council heads constituted themselves into the Basic Sector Forum (BSF), vested
with the same functions as the SRC. The BSF conducted five meetings from
February to September 2009.
The heads of the Sectoral Councils, either the
appointed Sectoral Representatives or the Officers-in-Charge, are tasked with
among others, networking functions. Thus, the NAPC Secretariat, through the BSU
provides for monthly domestic (in-country) travels for them. A total of
twenty-six (26) meetings/ conferences/seminars/conventions were attended by
SRs/OICs or designated council members.
During the period January to November 2009,
the BSF met five times.
The first meeting was conducted on 10 February 2009 at the Maria Orosa
Hall of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Building, Elliptical
Road, Diliman, Quezon City.
All Sectoral Councils were represented during the meeting. Ten (10) Sectoral
Representatives and officers-in-charge (designated council head without
Presidential appointments) attended the meeting. Discussed during the meeting
were the CLEEP, the Global Financial Crisis, the newly formed Armed Forces of
the Philippines (AFP) National Development Support Command, and the Land
Administration and Management Project which seeks to rationalize local land
management systems through the Land Administration Reform Act (LARA), now
pending in the 14th Congress.
The second meeting was convened on 24 February 2009 at the Max’s
Restaurant, Robinson’s Galleria, Ortigas, Pasig
City where the following issues
were discussed: updates on key legislative advocacies; the reactivation of the
NAPC’s Executive Committee to be composed of the NAPC Secretary, DSWD
Secretary, and the Fisherfolk Sectoral Representative Rogelio Amatorio; and the
convening of the NAPC En Banc. These arrangements were to be transmitted to
Malacañang through a letter to the President. All but the Formal Labor and
Migrant Workers (FLMW) Sector were represented by the SRs and OICs in this
meeting.
The third meeting was conducted on 21-24 June
2009 at the Kuhala Bay Resort in Cardona, Rizal wherein nine of the fourteen
councils were represented. The issues discussed include cross-sectoral legislative
agenda of the basic sectors (LARA Bill, Local Sectoral Representation Bill,
Creation of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, National
Land and Water-use Code, amendments to the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise
(BMBE) Law, review of the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act or RA 8425,
Responsible Parenthood, CARPER), PDTF, NKCG-KALAHI, BS operational plan, CLEEP
and the proposed BS-LGU Forum.
The fourth meeting was conducted on 21 July 2009 at the Crowne Plaza
Galleria, Ortigas Center,
Pasig City.
Ten (10) Sectoral Representatives and OICs attended the meeting. Discussed during the meeting were the
following: the proposed Consultative Workshop for Drawing a Basic Sector Agenda
with the Local Government Units (LGUs); BSF representation in the PDTF, Land
Bank Board of Directors, NKCG-KALAHI and other national bodies; Basic Sector
representation in the monitoring mechanisms of the CLEEP at the national level;
Basic Sector support to the Peace Covenant; comments and issues on the National
Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) mapping document; People’s Primaries; and
Basic Sector Vice-Chairmanship (status quo).
The fifth meeting was conducted on 15-18
September 2009 in Cebu Grand Hotel, Cebu
City. All Sectoral Councils, except
Children, were represented in this meeting. Nine Sectoral Representatives and
OICs attended the meeting. Four SRs and OICS were represented by their council
members. The issues discussed were the following: BSF representation in the
PDTF, NKCG-KALAHI and other local bodies; Basic Sector representation in GOCCs;
provision of NSCB mapping document to the basic sectors; BSF Resolution
requesting for the conduct of En Banc meeting; draft position paper of the
basic sectors addressed to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC); position of
the basic sectors on the proposed House Bill No. 6590 or Bulsa Pamilya Act of 2009; creation of BS Committee on the Peace
Process; BSF endorsement for IPs and Farmers Sectors in the formulation of the
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the CARPER; and BSF endorsement for
the Peace Covenant.
2.1.10
Conduct of Basic Sector Area Monitoring with
RKCG and Other Local Bodies
Members of the BSCs based
in the regions are tasked as development information intermediaries to the
grassroots by NAPC, the BSC and national government, and vice versa, by their Basic
Sector constituents. Specifically, the
BSC members make sure that information regarding developments that affect their
respective sectors are properly disseminated. This task includes engaging
themselves with community-based organizations in their respective sectors, and
sector-related local bodies, and the Local Development Councils (LDCs). It also
includes attending, reporting and feed-backing to, the Regional Kalahi
Convergence Group’s (RKCG) quarterly meetings.
At the current level of
membership of the 14 councils, with 295 active members (292 members only for
the 1st semester), the monitoring travels for the quarter, that is,
four per month for 11.5 months (January to November
15, 2009), should have reached 12,318. Only 7,912 travels and meetings, or 64.2%
of target, were reported.
The travels involved policy and program
concerns related to the various sectors.
2.1.11 Inter-Agency
Cooperation and Partnership through Participation in the 111th
Independence Day Celebration
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Operations spearheaded the facilitation of the Awarding Ceremonies and Program
at the Rizal Park
(Luneta) during the 111th Philippine Independence Day Celebration on
12 June 2009. The NAPC
Secretariat was mobilized to organize the said program with awardees numbering
to three thousand seven hundred and seventy-five (3,775) from twenty-seven (27)
agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR) alone. They were awarded with job
and training certificates, livelihood/funding checks and job contracts.
Simultaneous awarding ceremonies and celebration in the provinces and regions
were also conducted.
2.1.12
Conduct of People’s Day Celebration –
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty (NWOEP)
Per Presidential
Proclamation 717, the National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty (NWOEP) is
an annual event held from 17 to 23 October.
The NAPC leads the organization and conduct of the event in cooperation
with partners in the government, private sector, civil society, basic sectors
and donor agencies. This year, the main
events of the week included the People’s Caravan of Services held at Brgy.
Bagong Silangan in Quezon City, the wreath-laying
ceremony in honor of the poor at the Rizal Park, the conduct of the “Stand United, Fight Poverty” (SUFP)
campaign, and the People’s Day event,
which were attended by thousands of poor folk from Metro Manila. This year’s
celebration of the NWOEP was made even more special by the signing of
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Freedom Wall by the thousands of poor folk
attendees to the event. The Freedom Wall aimed to collect suggestions and
comments from the poor folk attendees regarding what can be done to achieve the
MDGs.
2.2 Strengthening
of institutional arrangement and partnership among stakeholders, as well as
organizational capacities in social reform and poverty reduction
2.2.1 Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Networking and Dialogue
The NAPC Secretariat,
through the Macro-Policy Unit, continues to provide staff support for the Secretary
in his dialogues and meetings on ASEAN. MPU provided the Secretary briefing materials
for the “High-Level Forum on Reducing
Vulnerability in the High Face of Crisis” held last 19-20 February 2009 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Sec. Domingo Panganiban
provided a country presentation on “Measures
to Protect and Monitor the Vulnerable Sectors of the Philippine Society”
during the forum on “Understanding and
Developing the Systems for Monitoring What’s Happening to Vulnerability”.
The Secretary emphasized on the Philippine Economic Resiliency Plan (ERP) and
other social protection and safety nets that the country is implementing to
protect the vulnerable sectors. The Secretary also made mention of the
Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) as a tool that monitors the fourteen (14)
core social indicators which corresponds to health, nutrition, shelter, water
and sanitation, basic education, income, employment and peace and order.
Another activity
participated by the unit was the workshop on “ASEAN Community Building 2015: The 2010 International Commitment Fund
Budget (ICF).” The ICF, which is appropriated for in the annual General
Appropriations Act (GAA), is the source of Philippine contributions to
international organizations (IOs) and funding for hosting international
conferences. The workshop was conducted to encourage submission of proposals
from various agencies to be funded under the ICF for 2010. The early
preparation will allow brainstorming within their agencies on the possible
proposals before the Budget Call in April 2009. The proposals may include
hosting of meetings/conferences under the agencies’ respective ASEAN
ministerial bodies. The proposal should be in line with the three pillars and
should be major conferences.
The Unit also prepared proposals
for the Secretary for his attendance and participation in the “Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting for the
6th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty
Eradication” (AMRDPE) last 25-26 May 2009 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. The Secretary provided
proposal under Agenda Item 6: Status of Follow-Up Actions Since the 5th
AMRDPE in Bangkok, specifically the
programme to alleviate poverty among socially vulnerable groups. Sec. Panganiban proposed a two-day high level
meeting to share and discuss the actions each ASEAN member has taken to alleviate
poverty. The proposal also aims to provide a venue for consultation that would
result to a recommendation paper.
The Secretary had
likewise attended and participated in the “3rd
China-ASEAN Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction” held in Ha Noi, Vietnam last 28-30 September
2009. He also participated in the “Seminar
on Theory and Practice of International Development (Poverty Reduction) for
Asian Countries” held in Nanjing, China last 4-11 November, as
well as the “1st Session of
the Committee on Macroeconomics Policy Poverty Reduction and Inclusive
Development” held in Bangkok, Thailand last 24-26 November.
2.2.2 Networking and Coordination
Meetings with Religious Groups, Business Groups, the Academe, Civil Society,
and NGOs
To maintain a continuing
partnership with the private sector, religious groups, civil society, the
academe, and NGOs, the agency actively participated in the various workshops,
conferences and dialogues.
A total of three hundred
and three (303) meetings, workshops, and conferences were attended and
participated in by the NAPC Secretariat. These include, but are not limited to,
the following: meetings between NAPC, Cabinet Secretariat and Presidential Management
Staff (PMS) on Directives of the President on the implementation of the
Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP); National
Repository of CBMS Data; Achieving the MDGs and Reducing Human Poverty
Programme; Social Development Committee (SDC) Technical Board Meetings;
Microfinance Program Committee Meetings; Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
(4Ps) National Advisory Committee Meetings; Agricultural Guarantee Fund Pool
Governing Board in compliance to Administrative Order 225 and 225-A on "Harnessing Idle Resources to Uplift the Poor
and Boost Rice Supply to Cushion the Country from Price Spikes;” Accelerated
Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP) Meetings; Philippine Water Supply and
Sanitation (PhilWATSAN) TWG Meetings; National Conference on Climate Change
Adaptation+2; and the Workshop on the National Anti-Terrorism Strategy (NATS)
and the Harmonized Crisis Management Manual.
2.2.3 Networking and Coordination with the
Legislative Sector
To strengthen partnerships
with other government agencies as well as the legislative sector, NAPC attended
and participated in several inter-agency meetings and discussions concerning
poverty alleviation.
NAPC undertakes legislative
liaison work as part of its monitoring and evaluation operations. As such, the agency has closely followed the
progress of legislative measures issued by both the House of Representatives
and the Senate of the Philippines.
The agency participated and
attended House Committee Hearings on pro-poor
legislative measures that include the following: Reproductive Health Act (House
Bill No. 5043); Act to Encourage the Donation of Food for Charitable Purposes
(House Bill No. 420); Act Establishing a Homeless Shelter in the First District
of Nueva Ecija (House Bill No. 2786); Act Institutionalizing the Voucher System
for Food, Fuel, Medicine, and Emergency Employment (House Bill No. 3435); Act
Establishing a Food Subsidy for the Poor Program (House Bill No. 3954); Act
Instituting Reforms in Land Administration (House Bill Nos. 21, 171, 932, 1102,
1310, 1650, 2122, 2660, 2930, and 3740); Act Establishing Livelihood and Skills
Training Centers in the 4th, 5th, and 6th
Class Municipalities (House Bill No. 4349); Real Property Valuation Reform Act
(House Bill Nos. 154, 426, and 2452); Alienable and Disposable Lands for
Socialized Housing (House Bill Nos. 57 and 1699); Creation of the Department of
Housing and Urban Development (House Bill Nos. 336, 402, 429, 2473, and 2698);
Micro-Enterprise Development Institutions (House Bill No. 4243); Act Defining
the Offenses and Abuses against the National PhilHealth Insurance Program and
Providing Penalties and Sanctions Therefor (House Bill Nos. 2876, 3240, 3289,
and 2584); and Act to Institutionalize the Conditional Cash Subsidy Program of
the Government (House Bill No. 6590). Technical Working Group Meetings were
also attended and participated such as the meetings with the House Committee on Trade and Industry to discuss the Establishment of
Handicraft and Cottage Industry Training Centers/Research and Development Centers in Various
Municipalities and Districts (House Bill Nos. 562, 746, 937, 942, 1939, 2477,
and 2877 and 5606). Inputs and comments on the abovementioned House Bills were also
provided.
Moreover, NAPC conducts research on poverty-related
issues for policy formulation and analysis, and establishes institutional
linkages on poverty-related legislative programs and projects. Specifically,
these involved the (a) conduct of studies and preparations of official position
papers/comments of the Secretariat on various policy issues and poverty-related
legislative proposals; (b) extending technical assistance to both Houses of
Congress and legislators in the drafting and analysis of bills; (c)
participation in the preparation or review of implementing rules and
regulations of various laws.
On 14 August 2009, President Arroyo signed the Magna Carta of Women
that recognizes the role of Filipino women and men before the law and society.
It seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women by recognizing,
protecting, fulfilling and promoting all human rights and fundamental freedoms
of Filipino women, particularly those in the marginalized sector. The Magna
Carta of Women is a landmark law because the Philippines will now have a
national framework for the implementation of the provisions of the United
Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women or CEDAW, considered as the international bill of rights of women. The
Magna Carta for Women became Magna Carta of Women to highlight women’s active
participation in their own development rather than being mere passive agents.
NAPC is a member of the Technical Working Group composed of government
agencies, NGOs, civil society and other concerned sectors, working on the draft
of the implementing rules and regulations of the said Act.
To date, the NAPC
Secretariat has attended fourteen (14) meetings with its legislative partners.
The agency has likewise generated twelve (12) position papers as well as three
(3) research papers.
2.2.4 Strengthening NAPC Public
Affairs and Social Marketing
The NAPC Media Bureau issued some fifty-eight (58) press
and photo releases during the period covering January to November this
year. All these releases saw extensive
publication in the major broadsheets and tabloids. The subjects of the releases
ranged from the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program
(CLEEP) and food security to social protection and the President’s Priority
Program on Water (P3W). Some of the stories prompted further coverage through
the broadcast media, affording the agency valuable air time in television and
radio news programs.
The Bureau also facilitated the conduct of seventeen
(17) press conferences and thirteen (13) media interviews during the period
covered. An average fifty (50) members of the news media attended each of the
conferences.
Following the instructions of the Secretary, the
Bureau supervised the production of a five-minute audio-video presentation
(AVP) concerning the CLEEP. First
launched during the Independence Day ceremonies held Manila last 12 June 2009, the AVP is currently used for the agency’s
advocacy and public information purposes.
MAJOR FINAL OUTPUT #3.
COORDINATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION SERVICES
3.1
Programs and projects
implementation monitoring and evaluation
3.1.1
Monitoring of Comprehensive Livelihood
and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP)
The 2008 Global
Financial Crisis (GFC) began as an economic growth slowdown in the
industrialized world and later helped drive countries into recession. The Philippines was no exception into
being drawn into this downturn as thousands Filipino overseas workers and
expatriates were displaced when business overseas were forced to either
retrench or close down.
The Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency
Employment Program (CLEEP) was the Cabinet’s response to Memorandum Circular No. 168 issued by
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the 23
October 2008 to “draw up and prepare
emergency work programs and doable and fundable livelihood projects.” The
main objective of CLEEP is “to protect
the most vulnerable sectors – the poor, the hungry, the returning expatriates,
the workers in the export industry, and the out-of-school youth – from threats
and consequences of reduces or lost income” resulting from the 2008 GFC.
Department heads have been specifically instructed to hire for emergency
employment and fund and supervise livelihood projects.
The NAPC Secretariat performs overall coordinating and monitoring
functions for the implementation of the various programs and projects under
CLEEP. All stewards assigned by the President report to NAPC Secretariat to
review and evaluate the reports submitted. NAPC also prepares consolidated
bi-monthly and quarterly reports for submission to the President.
To properly monitor the implementation of CLEEP, NAPC crafted the
implementing guidelines for the program and distributed this to all stewards
and implementing agencies as well as the RKCGs. The implementing guidelines
include background, definition of terms, program objectives, program
parameters, program framework, roles and responsibilities, and the monitoring
process flow.
The NAPC Secretariat, led by the Macro-Policy Unit (MPU) conducted four (4)
inter-agency consultative meetings on CLEEP. These meetings became a venue for
resolving issues and concerns of the stewards as well as clarifications on the
role of each concerned body. Orientations on CLEEP were also conducted in
different requesting agencies and institutions to have a clearer view on what
the program is all about. The MPU
likewise attended other meetings, orientations and forums on CLEEP which were
organized by the stewards, RKCGs and implementing agencies.
To further advocate and disseminate information of the program, CLEEP
brochure was designed and published. It contains basic information such as the
programs/projects/activities enrolled under CLEEP and the focal/contact person
for each PAP.
In the preparation for a National Assessment Workshop for CLEEP, the
unit has crafted the CLEEP Initial Assessment Matrix (CIAM) for both stewards
and implementing agencies. The data gathered from the submitted assessment
matrices will be used in the design of the Assessment Workshop which is
tentatively slated for April 2010.
3.1.2
Provision Information Technology (IT)-related services through the
Management Information System (MIS)
MIS facilitated and
coordinated with the National Computer Center (NCC) for the release of the
official Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) endorsement to be submitted
to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). A regular update on the NAPC
website is also facilitated by MIS particularly the News Update Section.
3.1.3
Regular updating of the CBMS National Repository
Focal persons from the NAPC
MIS Unit and other CBMS trainers continue to attend learning sessions in “Improving Targeting of National Poverty
Reduction Programs Using the CBMS National Repository” conducted by the
Angelo King Institute (AKI). The session involves updates on the NAPC-CBMS
National Repository and the utilization of its data in government anti-poverty
programs.
To help other provinces
build their own provincial repository, a Provincial Consolidation and CBMS
Database Building was held on 19-20
May 2009 in Angelo King International Center. This was attended by the NAPC core of trainers as
well as the representatives from the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte,
Zamboanga del Sur and Sarangani.
3.1.4
Conduct of
Exposure Visits on Micro-Finance Operations
This activity primarily
aims to expose the staff to the actual microfinance operations. As such,
Claveria Agri-Based Multipurpose Cooperative in Cagayan was chosen by the NAPC
Micro-Finance Unit (MFU) to be visited and witness the cooperative’s
microfinance operation because of its dimensional excellence and
performance. This cooperative was
awarded as the “Most Outstanding Small Farmers and Fisherfolks Organization” in
1992, “Gawad Pitak Award” and “Hall of Fame Award” in 2002; and “2006 Ginintuang Gawad Pitak Award.”
The cooperative was
visited last 26-28 May 2009 where the MFU staff discussed issues and concerns
to the Cooperative’s Board of Directors. The MFU staff has also interviewed
different microfinance clients in the area and witnessed the actual
microfinance operation.
3.1.5
Field
Validation and Monitoring Visits of PDTF-Approved Projects
It was only this year that
the PDTF funded project in 2007 was monitored through an approved monitoring tool by the PDTF Executive Committee.
One monitoring visit and one field validation was conducted.
Monitoring visits was done for the Samar Center for Rural Education (SACRED). On the other hand,
field validation was conducted in Cooperative Bank in Palawan.
The monitoring visit showed that individuals increased
in knowledge on how to manage their own business; opened their windows for learning
and sharing processes, especially when it comes to group dynamics; enhanced
their value on groupings and the need to pay debts; non-dependence on single
source of income resulting to an increased in their income and additional
savings; maintaining of savings at the household level aside from their
individual savings account; use savings for educational needs of their
children, medical needs, capital for lending and repair of houses. At the
organizational level, all members paid their debts on time, attended scheduled
center meetings and formulated own policies.
In the field validation conducted in Palawan
Cooperative Bank, it was observed that their training was focused in addressing
delinquency in management. The account officer of the bank specifically learned
how to established loan loss provision and aging of loans.
3.1.6
President’s
Priority Program on Water (P3W)
In November 2004, President Arroyo issued a directive authorizing the
NAPC Secretariat to oversee and coordinate the implementation of the President’s
Priority Program on Water (P3W). The program is designed to (1) provide
safe or potable water supply and sanitation services to identified “waterless communities”
(based on NSO 2000 data), and (2) establish a strategic development program toward
the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on water and
sanitation.
The program, including
its funding appropriated, was fully transferred from DPWH to the Local Water
Utilities Administration (LWUA) for implementation in 2009. This new
implementing arrangement allows for LWUA to identify and implement water supply
projects through their concerned Water Districts (WDs). LGUs without WDs were
encouraged to form their own WD in order to become eligible for P3W.
Meanwhile, WASCO
continued to endorse water supply proposals and requests, and took part in
monitoring actions taken to various requests. WASCO likewise took part in the
overall monitoring of water supply projects implemented by LWUA under P3W. The
unit has evaluated a total of 654 projects and endorsed some 239 project
proposals to LWUA.
During the 03 November 2009 Cabinet Meeting in Mindanao, President Arroyo gave
instructions to include ARMM in the P3W priority provinces. WASCO, together
with Task Force ARMM of LWUA and the Regional Secretary for ARMM, identified 40
“waterless municipalities” to be
prioritized in the provision of potable water.
With the desire to
update the original target of 432 “waterless
municipalities,” WASCO coordinated with Provincial Governors and House
Members of the House of Representatives so that they would provide a list of “waterless municipalities” in their
respective areas of responsibility. The lists submitted by these Governors and House
Members updated the existing list and was forwarded to LWUA as reference for
their prioritization in implementing water supply projects.
WASCO continues to
regularly monitor completed as well as on-going P3W projects. The unit inspects
physical structures such as intake boxes, top stands, reservoirs, etc., and conducts
site validation for realigned projects. The unit also conducts interviews and
focus group discussions among local officials and their constituents in
selected P3W areas to guide them in the maintenance and operation of the
physical structures to ensure the sustainability of the project. The unit has
inspected and validated a total of 108 P3W projects in 2008 and 10 more in
2009. The unit has likewise monitored a total of 113 P3W projects in 2008 and
117 P3W projects in 2009.
3.1.7
Harmonizing
Approaches to Poverty Reduction,
Population Management and Environment Resource Sustainability (HAPP*IER)
Project
Last 29 January 2009, the Project conducted a Forum on Hunger
Mitigation, Population Management and Poverty Reduction at the University of
the Philippines – Institute of Small Scale Industries (UP-ISSI). The forum
aimed to provide an avenue for discussion of issues and current efforts towards
hunger mitigation, population management and poverty reduction.
HAPPI*ER also conducted
a field validation session with the LGUs in Masbate on 23-27 February 2009 as
well as the municipalities of Ubay, Talibon, Carmen and Tagbilaran City in the
province of Bohol last 10-15 August 2009 to further assess the conditions that
hinder or delay the implementation of pro-poor programs within the jurisdiction
of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 6th Country Programme.
The overall goal of the validation session was to identify best practices in
LGUs that could be recognized at the national level.
The project conducted
workshops to validate the situational analyses of different municipalities;
identify current local government issuances pertaining to poverty, population
and environment; confirm the effectiveness and efficiency of the identified
issuances in addressing poverty, population and environmental issues; and
identify plausible harmonized solutions to address poverty, population and
environmental issues at the local level. One of these workshops was held last
31 March to 02 April 2009 at the Estosan Garden
Hotel in Cotabato City for the municipalities
of Lebak, Isulan in Sultan Kudarat, Kapatagan, Bubong and Marantao in Lanao del
Sur, and Shariff Aguak, Ampatuan and North Upi in Maguindanao.
3.1.8
Participation in the Accelerated Hunger
Mitigation Program (AHMP) Implementation Review
Regular meetings of the
Anti-Hunger Task Force (AHTF) are held to discuss updates and policy actions
relative to the AHMP. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy and
Planning (OASec-PP) participated in a total of five (5) AHTF meetings from
January to December 2009.
During the 7 January
2009 AHTF meeting, Health Secretary and Lead of the AHTF Francisco T. Duque III
gave instructions on the conduct of Program Implementation Reviews (PIR) with
the following objectives: (a) to identify best practices that can be sustained
and replicated by agencies and provinces for 2009 and beyond; and (b) to agree
on program adjustments that will address problems encountered; and (c) identify
key policy actions for approval. Two (2) AHMP Program Implementation Reviews
(PIR) were attended by the OASec-PP, the first PIR was held on 25-27 March 2009
in Cebu City covering the AHMP
Priority One provinces. The second PIR was held in Davao City on 2-4 April 2009.
NAPC Secretariat also participated in the AHMP project
site visitations in Sariaya and Tayabas, Quezon on 14 May 2009. Another meeting of the AHTF was held on 11-14 August
in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte to validate the reported
accomplishments of the AHMP. The objectives of the project site visitation are
as follows:
(a) To observe the implementation of some of the AHMP
component programs and related provincial initiatives;
(b) To touch base with implementers and beneficiaries on
the effects of hunger- mitigation programs in their lives;
(c) To determine the extent of complementation of national
and local hunger mitigation programs;
(d) To identify good practices applied by LGUs or national
government agencies in implementing AHMP component programs; and
(e) To provide technical assistance on managing the AHMP
component programs.
The OASEC-PP likewise attended and participated
in the initial media fora on the AHMP held in Mandaluyong
City; Legaspi
City; Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; and
Pili, Camarines Sur.
The fora provided the venue for sharing with national media the various
components of the AHMP, its accomplishments and future plans.
As part of the
multimedia campaign in support of the AHMP, the NNC spearheaded the conduct of
a series of media fora in all regions. The media fora provided the venue for
the Health Secretary and NNC Chair Francisco T. Duque III as Lead of the AHTF
and the AHTF member agencies to visit various AHMP programs and share with
national and local media its accomplishments and plans with the end in view of
positively influencing the perception of the public and encouraging them to
participate in the government’s anti-hunger programs.
AHMP’s all-out campaign
against hunger seeks to exhaust all avenues to inform and educate the public
about the government’s program to prevent and control the rise of hunger
incidence and malnutrition in the country. In line with this, the AHTF embarked
on an intensive 8-month daily radio broadcast to update the public on the
country’s nutritional status vis-à-vis AHMP’s program achievements.
