NEDA Boosts Evaluation Skills with Key Training

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently bolstered its commitment to evidence-based governance through a Training of Trainers (ToT) on Basic Evaluation, held from November 25 to 27, 2024, at The Linden Suites in Ortigas, Pasig City.

The program brought together 34 NEDA staff from central and regional offices to enhance their ability to design, commission, and manage evaluations while integrating findings into policy-making.

The training, a joint effort with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Strengthening Evaluation for Evidence-Based Development (SEED) Project, reflects NEDA’s mission to institutionalize a culture of evaluation within government.

“This Training of Trainers approach empowers key personnel who will cascade their knowledge to colleagues across various offices and regions,” said NEDA Assistant Secretary Agnes Tolentino during her opening remarks.

She emphasized the “multiplier effect” of the initiative in building technical expertise and fostering an evaluative mindset within NEDA.

The program also launched evaluation modules developed based on a training needs analysis. These resources aim to improve skills in designing and managing evaluation studies and are tailored to the needs of NEDA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Staff and Project Monitoring and Evaluation Divisions across regional offices.

“These evaluation modules are not merely tools; they are building blocks for fostering a lasting culture of learning and accountability,” said UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrie.

He added that the modules are designed to promote transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in governance.

Participants developed action plans during the training to guide the integration of evaluation practices in their respective offices and regions.

“The action plans you have developed will serve as critical roadmaps, fostering collaboration and promoting data-driven decision-making in your respective offices and regions,” said NEDA Assistant Secretary Roderick Planta in his closing remarks.

The ToT forms part of NEDA’s Capacity Development Program on Impact Evaluation, a flagship initiative launched in 2023 to enhance government capacities through executive and technical training.

This initiative highlights NEDA’s commitment to using evaluation as a cornerstone of public service delivery, aligning with the country’s development goals and reinforcing partnerships with UNDP and DFAT to promote good governance.