THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said government agencies must embrace the transformative potential of the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) process and its role in developing sound policy.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan urged participants at the 11th M&E Network Forum on Monday to harness evidence-based policy as a means of achieving the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).
“Monitoring and evaluation are not just technical processes; they are transformative tools,” he said.
“When embedded into our decision-making frameworks, they bridge knowledge, action, insight, and impact, ensuring that every policy and program we undertake is effective and responsive to the needs of the people we serve.”
Mr. Balisacan said NEDA’s partnership with the M&E Network was a key component of its efforts, and cited the Network’s role in the Strengthening Evaluation for Evidence-based Development (SEED) Project.
SEED is a partnership with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Philippines that seeks to enhance government evaluation practices through capacity building and technical assistance.
It also includes impact evaluations of critical livelihood and training programs offered by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
“Our partnership with UNDP Philippines through the SEED Project continues to provide valuable insights through the evaluation of key initiatives of the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., and the Department of Agriculture,” he said.
This project will seek to guide updates and improvements to programs that, among other desired outcomes, seek to expand healthcare access and strengthen farm-to-market supply chains.
“As we navigate the midpoint of the Philippine Development Plan 2023- 2028, we find ourselves at a crucial moment for retrospection and recalibration,” he said.
Mr. Balisacan noted the opportunity to assess the country’s progress, spot gaps, and realign strategy.
The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 outlines the strategy to deepen economic and social transformation, laying down targets for job creation and reducing poverty rates. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
