NEDA, UNDP boost local impact evaluation skills for development

The National Economic and Development Authority – Investment Programming Group (NEDA-IPG), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, has concluded the first phase of the 2024 Capacity Development Program on Impact Evaluation, aimed at bolstering local expertise and enhancing national development strategies.

The initiative, part of a structured program to strengthen the skills needed for impact evaluation across various regions, supports the effective implementation and ongoing refinement of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

The initial phase, which included a comprehensive 10-day training session from April 22 to May 3, equipped participants with vital evaluation skills.

Roderick M. Planta, NEDA Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Development, emphasized the importance of the training.

“Through this initiative, we hope to equip participants with the necessary tools to navigate the intricacies of impact evaluation and emerge as proficient evaluators capable of effecting tangible change in the development process,” Planta said.

Vivien E. Suerte-Cortez, UNDP Philippines Team Leader for Institutions and Partnerships, highlighted the UNDP’s role in fostering an evidence-based approach to development planning, implementation, and monitoring.

“Evaluation fosters greater accountability and facilitates learning from past experiences,” Suerte-Cortez noted, asserting UNDP’s commitment to supporting robust monitoring and evaluation systems at all governmental levels.

Phase 2 of the program will focus on the practical application of skills through actual impact evaluation tasks, guided by experts from the NEDA-UNDP Strategic M&E Project and the NEDA Impact Evaluation Study Review Board.

Joseph J. Capuno, NEDA Undersecretary for Investment Programming, expressed gratitude towards guest lecturers from the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Philippine Institute for Development Studies, and Innovations for Poverty Action.

“Our esteemed resource persons have skillfully guided participants throughout this enriching learning journey,” Capuno said.

Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos, NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development, stressed the importance of integrating evaluation into governance.

“Let us strive to integrate evaluation into the fabric of governance, using evidence to drive policy decisions and improve program implementation,” he said.

The program involved 41 representatives from NEDA Central and Regional Offices, Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority, and partner state universities and colleges.

The insights gained from these impact evaluations will be showcased at the 11th Monitoring and Evaluation Network Forum in December 2024, spotlighting evidence-based practices and transformative solutions for national development.