CHAPTER 34  MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Introduction

 

   This chapter outlines the framework for monitoring and evaluation of the Medium-Term Regional Development Plan (MTRDP). Its objectives are to:

 

1. Ensure that the Plan objectives and strategies are being achieved;

2. Provide information to all stakeholders on the progress of the MTRDP implementation and performance; and

3. Assist in the mobilization of appropriate interventions.

   The monitoring and evaluation of the MTRDP implementation will be based on manageable processes and on measurable and verifiable indicators. It will conform to basic rules of simplicity, timeliness and cost effectiveness.  

 

Monitoring

 

   Monitoring will be conducted as a continuous implementation review function to provide the RDC and the main stakeholders with early indications of the MTRDP's progress or delay in the achievement of objectives and outputs.

 

   The RDC will enjoin all regional line agencies (RLAs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), the local government units (LGUs), the private sector, and all other concerned stakeholders to carry out the monitoring function in accordance with their respective functions, level and responsibilities. This function will be coordinated by the RDC Secretariat.

 

   Monitoring will be supported by an implementation framework as outlined in the Plan, funding strategies, work plans and programs, progress reports and any other tools which may be developed during the implementation of the Plan.

 

   At the highest level, the RDC will exercise continuous oversight of the implementation of the MTRDP to ensure consistency of outputs against the mission, vision and strategies and the achievement of set targets. The RDC may direct a change of focus and/or strategies based on current achievements, challenges, and priorities. It may also initiate a review of specific policies for improved implementation of the Plan.

 

   At the operational and technical levels, the Secretariat and the different Sectoral/Sub-Sectoral Committees will be responsible for ensuring that progress on the MTRDP is monitored on a regular basis. An integrated monitoring system for the MTRDP will be developed by the Secretariat and the Sectoral/Sub-Sectoral Committees to provide an early warning mechanism and to maintain a good grasp on the development and implementation of the Plan. Other than the formulated strategies, interventions and outputs, various other intervening concerns that may emerge from the implementation of the MTRDP will also be monitored and evaluated in terms of their contribution to the on-going implementation of the Plan.

 

   The Secretariat will ensure that the monitoring system provides for aggregate indicators to monitor the overall development of the region by tracking developments in all areas of integration. The Secretariat will also play the role of advisor and facilitator in ensuring that appropriate interventions are implemented, and supplementary programs are developed to ensure that set targets are met and that emerging developments are being addressed.

 

   The RDC Secretariat will produce an annual Regional Development Report (RDR) on the overall implementation of the Plan. The report will be presented to the various development sectors/sub-sectors and to the RDC. On a quarterly basis, the RDC Secretariat will issue a regional economic situationer, which will report on the status of regional economic performance. The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) will likewise issue reports on the highlights of its quarterly monitoring through the Bicol Development Updates, a publication of the RDC 5 and its periodic monitoring reports as submitted by LGUs and RLAs.

 

Evaluation

 

   Evaluation of the MTRDP will provide analytical and objective feedbacks on the Plan based on the systematic and objective assessment of sectoral/subsectoral implementation results. Its aim is to determine the efficiency, effectiveness, relevance and sustainability towards the fulfillment of the overall objective of poverty reduction. The two main types of evaluation will be self-evaluation and independent in-depth evaluation.

 

   Self-evaluation, to be conducted at the sectoral/subsectoral levels through the coordination of the RDC secretariat, will be the main tool for reviewing in a systematic and regular manner progress on the Plan's implementation. It will be a process of continuous improvement and will take place during program implementation and completion.

 

   Independent in-depth evaluation will be the main tool for assessing in an analytical and objective manner the MTRDP performance comparing achievements against objectives. Independent evaluators who will not be associated with the implementation of the Plan will carry it out. Independent evaluators shall be encouraged from among the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) through the leadership of the private sector representatives to the RDC. A feedback mechanism to that effect shall be coordinated through the RDC5 Secretariat. This evaluation will take place either during the Plan implementation (mid-term evaluation), at the end of the Plan implementation (terminal evaluation) or after completion of the Plan implementation considering a time period sufficient to observe developmental impact (ex-post evaluation). Mid-term evaluation will focus on possible modifications to the planned implementation of the Plan through successive medium-term programs while terminal evaluation will focus on the desirability and feasibility of future activities.

 

   The objectives of the evaluation will include but not be limited to:

1. Assessment of the impact of the MTRDP on the overall objective of poverty reduction;

2. Tracking and highlighting of the achievements and delays as they relate to priority intervention areas of the MTRDP;

3. Appraisal of the adequacy of policies, capacities and resources needed by the development process;

4. Detailing the constraints, best practices and lessons learned and providing action-oriented recommendations;

5. Reviewing the roles played by the various entities and those accountable for various responsibilities in the implementation of the plan;

6. Review of the MTRDP Vision and Mission in the light of prevailing priorities of the region;

7. Review of strategies and targets against outcomes, explaining the variances;

8. Evaluation of the entire MTRDP in relation to the current priorities of the region.

Summary of Roles

1. The RDC will exercise continuous oversight using progress reports from the Secretariat.

2. The RDC Secretariat will coordinate and monitor at the regional level through an integrated monitoring and evaluation system.

3. Sectoral/Sub-Sectoral Committees will coordinate and monitor at the regional level with regular feedback to the Secretariat.

4. Stakeholders will conduct fora to review and provide input to monitoring progress reports and evaluation reports. The fora will include members from the private sector and PSOs.

5. External evaluators will produce reports, which assess the implementation process, the outputs as against the set targets and the overall impact of the MTRDP.

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