Project News

From January 21 to February 8 Japanese Mid-Term Evaluation Team, consisting of Mr. Motonori TANAKA, team leader from Global Environment Department of JICA and four other members, visited Republic of the Philippines in order to evaluate the progress of the project activities.

The Team exchanged views with the Secretary and officers of Department of Public Works and Highways（DPWH）; interviewed counterparts (C/Ps), experts and the concerned personnel of the Department ; and examined the data of achievements of outputs. Through this process, the Team grasped the current progress of the whole project activities and made a following evaluation.
->Although the flood management function has been gradually enhanced, the achievement levels of Output 1 and 2 are rather low due to the uncertain budget distribution and shortage of manpower (C/Ps) on the Philippine side. Under Output 1, Pilot Projects are implemented using the technical standards, guidelines and manuals. Under Output 2, research is conducted for developing / updating technical standards, guidelines and manuals, and assessing efficient countermeasures for flood control and sabo.
->The unstable process of FCSEC permanency is likely to negatively affect the smooth achievement of Project Purpose within the project period.
->With the aim of ensuring the optimum utilization of the DPWH Hydraulic Laboratory facilities even after the Project term, it seems to be good idea to promote its utilization among the related agencies, organizations, universities and private firms by imposing fees.
->In other respects, activities have shown good progress so far due to firm partnership maintained
between Japanese experts and FCSEC C/Ps. The team also recommended the modification plans concerning part of PDM, and as a result of the discussions with C/Ps, the following details were modified.
->Addition of a phrase "effective and appropriately designed plans" to the Overall Goal.
->Modification and addition of phrases expressing the state of achievement specifically and properly - including increase in the number of offices conducting training.
->Political support for the Important Assumptions, and supplement of the national budget.
These assessments and modifications were officially approved at the 3rd JCC Meeting on February 6, where 34 attendants discussed various issues. To take an example, the chairman proposed that personnel be assigned temporarily from other bureaus to compensate for the shortage of C/Ps. Concerning the proposition, there was an opinion the concrete activity contents, the period and the number of personnel needed be presented.
We are expected to further improve our activities in order to achieve the Project Purpose within the remaining two years and a half of the project term.

Photo(left):Courtesy Call to Mr. Ebdane, Secretary of DPWH
Photo(right):3rd JCC Meeting