Philippines - Second vocational training

 ICRR 10659 Report Number : ICRR10659 ICR Review Operations Evaluation Department 1. Project Data : Date Posted : 06/22/2000 PROJ ID : P004538 OEDID: OEDID : C2392 Appraisal Actual Project Name : Second vocational US$M ) Project Costs (US$M) 43 38 training Country : Philippines Loan/ US$M ) Loan /Credit (US$M) 36 36 Sector, Major Sect .: Vocational Education US$M ) Cofinancing (US$M) & Training, Education L/C Number : C2392 FY ) Board Approval (FY) 92 Partners involved : Closing Date 12/31/1997 12/31/1999 Prepared by : Reviewed by : Group Manager : Group : Helen Abadzi Madhur Gautam Ridley Nelson OEDST 2. Project Objectives and Components a. Objectives (a) strengthen institutional capacities in policy formulation, planning, management, research and evaluation of nonformal vocational training and employment services; (b) improve training quality and cost recovery; (c) upgrade training facilities; (*d) develop an investment strategy and identify investment needs for techncial education and vocational training. The scope was expanded as a result of an institutional transfer, and several new intitiatives, consistent with project objectives, were accommodated . b. Components (a) institutional development to establish market -oriented capacity for manpower development; (b) improvement in training quality through support of curricula and guidance services; (c) development of training capacity through upgrading and equipping existing facilities; and (d) studies to rationalize and improve the vocational education system. The project financed civil works, equipment, technical assistance, training, and instructional materials . c. Comments on Project Cost, Financing and Dates The credit proceeds were substantially disbursed (only about $2.6 mm was cancelled on 5/19/200. The closing date was extended by a total of 24 months from the original 12/31/97 to 12/31/99. 3. Achievement of Relevant Objectives : The project achieved its development objectives and met its physical targets and expected outputs . In particular, the institutional strengthening objective was achieved .There was significant private sector participation in the technical and vocational education activities, and the implementation agency was effective . 4. Significant Outcomes /Impacts : About 10,000 staff members involved in technical education received training, a target expanded from 2000. Systematic evalution of program effectiveness was carried out . About 900 committee members and 2000 teachers in public and private training institutions received training in short -duration seminars. A manpower planning system was put in place with a reliable database for planning and investment priorities . It links Manila headquarters with 15 regional offices and provides information on labor -market trends and needs. Guidance and employment services are also linked. A national skills certification program has published standards for 240 trade categories as well as related curricula and materials. Officers have been trained for certification, who have tested about 340,000 candidates and certified 200,000 of them. The physical facilities of 28 regional and provincial training centers were rehabilitated, expanded, and equippedwith up -to-date equipment. They also received technical assistance . Training for the informal sector focused on the need for livelihood, basic skills, and enterpreneurship development of poor women and other disadvantaged people . High-quality studies were carried out . 5. Significant Shortcomings (including non -compliance with safeguard policies ): The project was too complex and ambitious, and used a large number of consultants, whose employment and coordination created delays . There were cash-flow problems until a special account was established . Funds and programs were reconfigured to respond to a financial crisis in the country . Overall, the program was too complex for the capacity of the implementing agencies . 6. Ratings : ICR OED Review Reason for Disagreement /Comments Outcome : Satisfactory Satisfactory Institutional Dev .: Substantial Substantial Sustainability : Likely Likely Bank Performance : Satisfactory Satisfactory Borrower Perf .: Satisfactory Satisfactory Quality of ICR : Satisfactory 7. Lessons of Broad Applicability : - Input-oriented projects may have successful completion of physical objectives, but long -term outcomes are unknown without evaluation components . Early and continuous assessment is needed to track project impact on beneficiaries. - It is important that project implementation norms and procedures be established, understood, and accepted by authorities at the time of project preparation to avoid subsequent delays and to strengthen financial management and procurement. - Attention by Bank staff resident in a country significantly improves the probability of the success of a project . 8. Audit Recommended? Yes No Why? To study the applicability of this successful project to other lower -income countries. 9. Comments on Quality of ICR : The ICR is satisfactory, but a few tables were missing .