InTouch 6 (2)

A Newsletter of the World Bank | n o u c C o u n t r y O f f i c e M a n i I a December 2000 Volume 6 Number 2 23227 RP,,Three Donors to Speed Up Projects tthe end of the joint portfolio review consists of 197 active loans with net "I of Official Development Assisted commitments of US$13 billion. Of the 197 have no projects for the Philippines held last active loans, 189 are projects worth US$11.4 reason to October, the Government of the Philippines billion while eight are programs worth doubt (GOP) together with the Asian Development US$1.5 billion. The World Bank accounts that we can Bank (ADB), Japan Bank for International for 25 projects worth US$ 1.8 billion, more achieve more , f Cooperation (JBIC), and the World Bank than half of which are for poverty reduction. and sustain (WB) agreed to pursue collaborative Socioeconomic Planning Secretary improve- efforts to improve the implementation of Felipe M. Medalla, who chaired the meeting, ment over time," Medalla ODA-assisted projects. The meeting was expressed optimism over government's said. The Socioeconomic Planning attended by GOP officials and representa- pledge to improve ODA performance in Secretary admitted, however, that a lot of tives from the three donor agencies. terms of implementation efficiency and things still needs to be done to speed up The country's current ODA loan portfolio development effectiveness. long-delayed projects and catch up with the _______ _____________________________________________________________________ disbursement backlogs. WB'sVinay Bhargava stresses a point at the ODA Review. L-R: JBIC Chief Representative Presidential Committee on Flagship Sheichi Kitozawa,Japan Minister Tsukasa Kawada, NEDA Diretor General Felipe Medalla and Programs and Project (PCFPP) Executive ADB Philippine Director Gunter Hecker, Director Manuel Gaite noted that in spite of the political crisis hounding the country, ODA funding agencies continue to support government efforts to make ODA ani effective instrument in its development thrusts. "I am hopeful that the agreements of the joint portfolio review will result in more realistic action plans that would accelerate ODA flow," Gaite added. For their part the ADB, JBIC and WB - X commended the GOP's actions to enhance the disbursement to donor-assisted projects. Among the steps carried out by the GOP are: ; Enactment of legislation to facilitate ( -1 right-of-way and site acquisition for infrastructure projects and prohibition of : p.2 In This Issue *WB Congratulates Pres.Arroyo, p3 CountryAssistance Strategy, p4-5 In This Issue - Small Grants Program 2001, p3 I Admin, Finance & Office Tech Team, p6-7  that will interface with the PIOs to initiate -aap-, RP*Three Donors*o *desired actions; *Expedite enactment of Implementing Rules issuance of temporary restraining orders All three agencies also pointed out the huge and egations o faclitatight- on government projects; resources that are being made available a * Adoption of the Department of Budget through the current projects to support the of-way;. and Management's "friendly policv" to Government's poverty reduction agenda. Mr. * Continue review of procurement regula- facilitate timely funds flow to implementing Gunther Hecker, ADB Country Director for the tions and simplfy standard biddig agencies; and Philippines, said, "We should view the documents; and * Appointment of Project Implementa- portfolio management issues in a larger Integrate monitoring and evaluation tion Officers (PlOs) in each implementing context, focusing on good governance to system and develop capacities to actively agency to ensure the timely execution expedite the procurement processes and loan carry out results monitoring and evalua- of projects. disbursement This will ensure that the tion (RME) as well as focus on the The World Bank emphasized the need to benefits reach the people, especially the poor, sustainability of completed projects. expedite the implementation of many ODA Arithout further delays." projects directly supporting poverty The ODA funding agencies disclosed that Donors' Ten Point Plan* the portfolio of ongoing ODA loans includes over US$500 million from progam lans,andstresed hatwork based on continuous forward- these loans could be mobilized to looking (action-oriented) review finance the budget deficit in 200 1. jointly with the GOP/ADB/JBICIWB. Thesefindstwould0be released Adopt a continuous project wen a realistic 2001 national "rework" (restructuring, partial can- budget is passed and important cellations, loan closing, etc.) 0 lgislative reforms, such as the 00 Conduct joint Procurement Assess- Bangko Sentral ng Pifipinas and ment and Financial Management Philippine Deposit Insurance Reviews in 2000. Corporation charter amendments *' Support joint training of implement- L to R: Joel Banares, DO F; Atty. Manuel Gaite, and Power Industry Reform, are ing agency staff through the procure- PCFPP; Simplicio Endaya, PCFPP; Lily Gruba, DOF, undertaken. ment training program at the Asian Medalla pointed out Institute of Management (AIM) or any SecretaryMdal othera intiuton reduction activities in health, water supply, that increasing ODA disbursement is a vital other institution g rural development, rural roads, and part of the GOP's financing mobilization ance "scorecard" in the Department education sectors, and urged the imple- strategy. He also noted an increase in the cost of Budget and Management for facil- menting agencies to stay on top of these ofborrowings from commercial sources to itating ODA projects in line with projects. In particular, the World Bank meet the deficit. Such requirements are Executive Order 95. underscored the need to focus on Mindanao immediately available from existing ODA * Support the establishment of a joint where developmental projects are urgently sources such as the WB-assisted Social web-site, including key performance needed. "We need to further improve the Expenditure Management Program and the indicators,to provide information on disbursement of poverty reduction projects ADB-assisted Power Sector Restructuring ODA portfolio performance. so that the poor could truly benefit from the Loan. "An increase in ODA disbursement can * Move to a policy of zero project con- health, education, child care and other social ditionalities of effectiveness, effective health, education, childcareandothersocimprove governance in the same way January 1, 2000. services at the community level," WB improved governance can increase ODA 0 Adopt a uniform project readiness Country Director for the Philippines Vinay disbursement," Medaila stressed. implementation "filter", effective Bhargava said. Among the measures agreed upon January I, 2000. "While we may have differences in by the GOP and the ODA funding agencies to Fm Address important readiness and procedures and project preferences, we share further improve ODA portfolio performance implementation issues concerning the common aspiration of promoting the include: projects imvolving local government development ofthis country," Mr Seichi * Implementing Agencies (IAs) to process all units (LGU) (devolved projects) in Kitazawa, Chief Representative of IBIC said. 2000. Minister Tsukasa Kawada of the Embassy pending disbursement claims wiLthin Share knowledge of "good practic- of Japan stressed the need to adopt the December 2000 while all pending con- es" on development approaches deal- recommendations put forward by JB|C and the tracts with the Procurement Bidding and ing with communities and local gov- Awards Committee (PBAC) to be immedi- ernment agencies, monitoring and atelvNrevnewed, approved and awarded; evaluation, procurement arrange- Authority, particularly in the areas of procure- aTev revie ment and Right-Of-Way acquisition and * The Investment Coordination Committee ments, work and financial plans, etc. resettlement to improve ODA disbursement. (ICC) to convene a Project Action Group Agreed to in Dec. i 999 2  World Bank President Congratulates PresidentArroyo The World Bank is one of thefirst multilateral donor organizations to recognize the newly installed go vein- ment ofaPresident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In his letter addressed to the new Philippine president, World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn congratulated Madame Arroyo on her assumption of the highest office of the land. Mr. Wolfensohn said, "I note with great interest thatfightingpoverty and good governance is among the four key pillars ofyour administration. I deeply appreciate the high priority you have given these areas and would like to assure you of the World Bank's continued support and cooperation." Mr Jemal-ud-din Kassum, Bank Vi ce-P resident for East Asia & Pacific Region, also conveyed his support for .....I Madame Arroyo's emphasis on reduc- Mr.Aloysius Odu, actingWB Country Director congratulates President Arroyo shown ingpoverty and impproving govern- here with husband Atty. Miguel Arroyo. ance. For his part, Mr. Vinay Bhargava, WB Country Directorfor the Philip- practices recently exposed, and welcomed the appointment of many pines, expressed his hope that concrete effective policy and institutional distinguished and respected members and decisive actions to curb corrupt reforms would soonfollow. He also to the new Cabinet. Small Grants Program 2001 The World Bank Office Manila is now organizations. Some of the grant recipi- recommended to the Country Director Taccepting applications to its Small ents for FY00 were Pilipina for their who will make the final decision. Grants Program (SGP) for FY 2001. economic literacy program for Women Applicant organizations will he in- The Program supports activities that NGO and PO leaders, Green Mindanao formed of the Bank's decision regarding promote networking, dialogue and for creating a sustainable development their proposal. dissemination of information about plan for a lumad community, and Applications to the SGP 2001 should local, regional and international develop- PhilDHRRA-Visayas for developing be received by the Bank not later than ment among various stakeholders. These training materials on sustainable area March 31,2001. Applications and may include conferences, seminars, development. inquiries should be sent by mail or fax special editions and start-up costs of Most grants are in the range of to: publications, audio-video materials and US$5,000 and US$10,000. The grant Ms.Angie Ibus other innovative networking efforts. The cannot be used to finance the whole Operations Officer, Participation focus could be on development issues activity, but it should cover only a Civil Society Relations such as poverty reduction, environmen- portion of it. Counterpart in cash or in World Bank Office Manila tal protection, human resource develop- kind of at least 25% of the project cost is 23/F The Taipan Place ment and private sector development. required from the grantee. Emerald Ave., Ortigas Center Any institution concerned with Applications will be screened, Pasig City development can apply for a grant. reviewed and evaluated by a committee Tel.637-5855 to 54/9173064 However, priority is given to non-profit, of WBOM staff appointed by the Country Fax: 637-5870 non-governmental and non-academic Director. Short-listed proposals will be e-mail: aibus@worldbank.org 3  Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Commission on Audit and the Flagship Committee and a representative from the NGO advisory group attended the Retreat. Mid-Term Review Highlights Danilo Songco, CODE-NGO National Major Accomplishments and Challenges Coordinator, presented to the Country Team a set of recommendations from an informal NGO advisory group on how to further strengthen WB-NGO partnerships. The World Bank Philippines Country for the Philippines based on indicators set by The retreat participants also drew up TTeam organized a retreat in late the Philippine Government and the Bank. a long list of potential pipeline projects as October to review the progress in implement- The Country Team first met among well as non-lending interventions beyond ing the Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) themselves, and later with key government the CAS period. The proposals will be officials. The Retreat prioritized and taken up during the enabled the Philippine upcoming Programming discussions in Team to take stock March 2001. of accomplishments The retreat fully met its objectives of during the first half of building awareness and generating feed- CAS implementation, back on where the CAS stood at the to discuss necessary halfway mark of its implementation. adjustments in the At the conclusion of the review, Vinav remaining period, and Bhargava, WB Country Director for the to identify prospective Philippines, reaffirmed that the World loans other forms of Bank is the Philippines'long-term partner assistance in the future. and steadfast supporter of the country. Officials from He expressed his respect for the counter- the Department of part teams, gratitude for the way all the L-R: Heidi Hennrich Hanson,WBs Phil. Program Finance, Department development partners work together, Coordinator, DOF Usec. Joel Barares,Vinay Bhargava, fBan d D anage- defait tatthe d ora tituton NEDA OIC Ruperto Alonzo. of Budget and Manage- and faith that the democratic institutions ment, National would see the country through difficult times. , Cited at the Retreat S Portfolio performance improved CAS Accomplishments (Jauly I 999 - October 2000) * International procurement pro- cedures led to appreciable cost * Economy grew by 3.9% for the approved out of three projects in the savings and considerable progress first half of 2000, export perform- FYOI program. International Finance has been made towards institution ance expanded above I0%, modest Corporation approved seven new building in several government inflation, rural sector recovered, projects while the involvement of Mul- departments. and school completion rate and tilateral Investment Guarantee 0 Partnership with Government, textbook ratios improved. Agency (MIGA) increased. Studies and donors, private sector and civil soci- tt * Three new Bank-financed technical assistance efforts were either ety strengthened to align collective t projects approved for FY00 and one completed or ongoing as planned. efforts towards common objectives. 4  WBNews Cited at the Retreat Issues and Challenges * Poverty reduction not on many positive reforms already work for better governance; target, with economic growth undertaken. V Enhance long-term Philip- unlikely to exceed 5%, unem- v Portfolio performance pine competitiveness in the ployment on the rise, uneven showing signs of backsliding. global economy; rural sector growth and slow progress in the human develop- * Key reform measures remain V increase development work ment sector, aggravated by the outstanding holding back at the local government conflict in Mindanao and the processing of projects in the level; deteriorating fiscal situation pipeline. v Encourage the participation which limits government inter- Courses of action: of civil society beyond ventions in poverty alleviation. V Restore confidence as quickly consultation; and * The current'confidence gap' as possible by addressing V Provide better information affecting investments and pressing fiscal and govern- on program procedures, private sector development, ance concerns; guidelines and expected forestalling the full impact of v Implement an overall frame outcomes. I Iva I Participants to the CountryTeam Retreat from the World BankWashington/Manila staff, Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, NEDA, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Commission on Audit and the Flagship Committee. 5  somehow involved, be it logistics, finance and accounting, planning or coordination. Adminv Finance and 1 11 1 11Our Team may not always be at the forefront of the Bank's services, but we Offi ceTech1 n ology somehow get involved and provide some kind of support in almost all activities of the _ _ > * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~organization." Team Delivers Abigail Llamas, a Team Assistant, adds, "The Visiting Missions Unit, supports the overall mission of the Bank by organiz- ing interaction among the different donor Behind every successful organization is a Technology Services groups, government agencies, non- Bsmall group of people who gets things * Country Director Office Management government organizations and private done without fanfare. They provide support The Team serves the day-to-day companies. I deal with the administrative to the more celebrated management and requirements of five other operational requirements of the visiting missions. I professional staff, yet the range of tasks and teams and the Front Office, with a total cope with the demands of my job by taking duties they discharge is often regarded as complement of 50 staff. "It's always peak one specific task at a time." "vital services." This core group carries out time around here," muses Zenaida Uson, New to the Bank, Joan Raya Toledo overall office administration, facilities Administrative Officer and head of the processes invoices and checks payable to planning and information processing, as Bank's Administration, Finance And Office third party suppliers, consultants and well as management and office security. Technology Team. "We consider all our employees. She is excited about working Most importantly, they with a multi- make sure that controls cultural financing and procedures are institutionand followed. hopes her subse- quent exposure and Team Play training would help At the World Bank ipoe her skills. Office manila, the She contributes to Administration, the overall Bank Finance and Office mission by doing Technology Team is her best at her job entrusted with these and copes with the vital responsibilities. A -~pressures of work staff of 12 personnel, by planning and including 4 drivers and prioritizing, her a messenger, deals with activities at the the important resources start of every of the Bank-people, working day. funds, and office facilities, which include L-R (Front row): Lilitz Cardenas, Zeny Uson, Espie Sadiua, Ace Lanuza state of the art informa (Back):Joan Toledo, Zaldy Gatdula, Aby Llamas,Judy Padilla and Efren Vallejo. Challenges tion technology and Rewards systems. In any organization Specifically, the the daily routine Team handles five major functions, namely: functions critical areas, and deadlines often associated with office administration Accounting and Finance overlap, but we make do." Eva Cardenas, an would drag into a tedious grind. At WBOM, * Human Resources Management Services Accounting Analyst and Zeny's go-to person a participative working environment, in tight situations, says, "Our Team is the a pro-active top management and the * General Administration core service unit of the Manila Office. As periodic introduction of new technologies * Information and Communication such, in any Bank undertaking, we are help keep the doldrums away. 6  WBTeams Zeny says, "The Bank encourages us small share by driving Bank officials and a lot of advantages for me in being with the to grow with our jobs. We handle a lot of mission members to the remote countryside Bank. I get hands-on exposure to the latest activities in which each of us can choose for dialogues with the poor. During those innovations such as videoconferencing, to be a part of. It depends upon us to visits, I personally feel the need to help the wide area networking and connectivity make our job exciting or that it doesn't less fortunate ones." Other drivers, Virgilio between computers and audiovisual become routine." Serna, Henry Liberty "Lilitz" Cardenas, an Adminis- Libre, and trative Assistant, is proud to say that her Arnold Reyes, Regular meetings keep the Admin, Finance and Office Technology work entails a special responsibility in share the same Team cohesive as a team. assisting the country's development. She sentiment. provides support to the Finance and Admin unit in negotiating the services of local Office consultants and human resources services. Technology Lilitz explains, "Just issuing a contract to New technology a consultant is already a part of project has immensely implementation. I guess that is my contri- improved .............. ........... bution to the attainment of the Bank's efficiency at the mission of alleviating poverty." office. Like any Efren Vallejo is one of the Bank's drivers modern who, for the last 15 years, has been taking organization, Bank staff, managers and visiting dignitaries the World Bank to and from project sites safe and sound. Office Manila Efren sometimes also attends to other tasks needs to keep such as answering phone calls, photocopy- its wired office ing documents, and running short errands humming each here and there. Such dedication has earned working day, and even at off hours. devices. And my work has been great so him and his fellow drivers a commendation The Manila staff depends on a two-man far due to a very supportive local and during the last Performance Awards at Information Technology (IT) unit for HQ staff." the Bank. continuous support. He declares, "The Bank wants to reduce The IT unit consists of Ace Lanuza who Team Effort poverty and I think I have contributed my handles user support (for computer Devotion to the job can get a regular Juan hardware and sottware) and Zaldy only so far. Team leader Zeny credits her Gatdula, who takes care of back-end staff s strong sense of responsibility and operation which entails the management service orientation as kev factors in the and maintenance of servers, telecommu- Admin Team's ability to cope with increas- I; -. i % Fnications and special projects. Zaldy ing demands in the quantity and quality of IVd clarifies, "We work in the background services to be delivered. They not only making sure that the computers and understand their respective roles but also office equipment are in prime condition like what they're doing. In many ways, these and available anytime to all Bank elements add up to high team spirit. t ! _ - , | >i personnel. We help them in the Judy Padilla, an Accounting Assistant, performance of their jobs to achieve considers it a privilege to be working with a the Bank's goals." group of strongly motivated, results-driven Ace Lanuza finds his work with the and supportive colleagues. "Working with Bank a particularly rewarding experience such a group also brings out the best in me," especially during his first month of Judy claims. employment when he assisted a team Eva Cardenas believes, "It's the people, the .......... of IT specialists in the rollout of a new huge organization, its distinct bureaucracy 'i,r-w -. _ office system in Bangladesh. He ob- and a broad multicultural staff. They define L-R: Virgilio Serna; Eva Cardenas; Henry serves, "I have gained a lot of confidence that vibrant atmosphere at the Bank in the Libre. in handling new technologies. There are face of growing demands for fast results." 7  These dimensions constitute the core Philippine medium-term development Voices of the Poor organization of the book. Its final chapter is targets; Crying Outfor Change a call to action and dwells on the challenge 2. Government agencies must prioritize, of change. operationalize and monitor their By Deepa Narayan, There have been previous large-scale strategies and actions; poverty studies, but Crying Out for Change 3. The Government needs to establish and This book is the second in a three-volume differs from them. By using participatory implement more "doable" strategic series entitled Voices of the Poor, which and qualitative methods, the new study programs; brings together the experiences, perspec- presents through the people's own voices 4. There is a need to monitor strategic tives and aspirations of poor women and the constant reality of their deprivation. sector performance regularly; and men from various regions of the world. 5. The limitations of existing monitoring The first volume, Can Anyone Hear US?, mechanisms must be addressed. chronicles the daily struggles of the poor PHILIPPINES From these conclusions, the study based on discussions with tens of thousands RuralDeveopment outlines a framework for a performance of poor people across five continents. The & Natural Resource indicator system for the rural sector in follow-up, Crying Out for Change, is culled E Management: Trends, support of the Medium-Term Philippine from research conducted in 1999 involving rtion, and Frameeork Development Plan. over 20,000 poor men and women in 32 2 . E Performance Indicator countries. In essence, Crying Out for Change System shows that there are striking similarities in Vol. 1 63 pp. poor people's experiences. Despite differing To orderWorld Bank Group political, social and economic contexts, the This Study is a joint report of the Philippine publications, contact: common theme underlying the deprivation Government and the World Bank. The of the poor is one of powerlessness, which report proposes a performance indicator International Booksource consists of multiple dimensions of poverty, system aimed at promoting sustained Center Inc. or bad quality of life. results in Rural Development & Natural II 27-A Antipolo Street The new study argues that there are ten Resource Management: (RD/NRM). BarangayVenezuela, Makati City aspects of powerlessness and ill being, The study used innovative participatory Tel. (632) 896-6501 / 6505 / 6507 which, among others, include: approaches to enhance both its process Fax (632) 896-1741 * Livelihoods and assets of the poor are and its findings and recommendations. Or visit our 24-hour online website at precarious, seasonal and inadequate. Through a string of stakeholders' work- www.worldbank.orglpublications. * Places of the poor are isolated, risky, shops, it drew feedback on seven perform- To borrow, contoct: unserviced and stigmatized. ance indicator areas such as rural poverty, The World Bank food security, agrarian reform and rural Country Office Manila * Security is lacking in the sense of both sector investments. 23/F,The Taipan Place protection and peace of mind. The study team has generated five major Emerald Ave., Ortigas Center * Institutions are disempowering and recommendations: Pasig City excluding. 1. RD/RNM strategies lags behind the The World Bank Country Office Manila 23/1F, The Taipan Place Place Emerald Ave., Ortigas Center Stamp1 Pasig City Here, InTouch is a quarterly newsletter of the World Bank Country Office Manila. All correspondence may be addressed to: The World Bank Country Office Manila 23/F,TheTaipan Place Emerald Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel. 637-5855 to 64 EDITORIAL STAFF: Vinay K. Bhargava, editorial adviser Leonora A. Gonzales, editor Charito C. Sanalila, production assistant