NHE Project Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing between NCDA and the Two (2) Pioneering Municipalities – New Lucena, Iloilo and Opol, Misamis Oriental

Signing of MOA in Opol

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), a national government agency attached to the Office of the President of the Philippines and the two (2) pioneering sites were signed on March 13, 2009 by the Municipality of Opol and on March 20, 2009 by the Municipality of New Lucena represented by the respective Municipal Mayors.

The NCDA recognizes the vital role of the local government units especially in the two (2) pioneering municipalities in the creation of an inclusive and non-handicapping environment where persons with disabilities are integrated into the mainstream of the community allowing them to fully participate in all community activities.

The two (2) pioneering municipalities shall:

• Implement the Project in its jurisdiction.
• Involve/mobilize concerned local agencies, Disabled People's Organizations (DPOs), PWD Organizations and other stakeholders in the project to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the NHE Project.
• Ensure the full participation and representation of PWDs in the management and implementation of the Project.
• Engage the assistance of the Regional Council on Disability Affairs (RCDA) and the Local Council on Disability Affairs as partners in the promotion of the Project.
• Monitor and assess the progress of the Project and undertake measures to address issues within the municipality's resources/ capability.
• Coordinate with the NCDA on Project related matters that need to be addressed at the national level.
• Institute strategies that would ensure the sustainability of the Project.

The NCDA shall:

Signing of MOA in New Lucena

• Assist the two (2) pioneering municipalities in the implementation of the Project by providing assistance in the form of training, technical and advocacy support specifically targeting the development of the five (5) project outputs to wit:
  1. Implementing Mechanism
  2. Data collection/Profiling
  3. Capacity Building
  4. Advocacy
  5. Networking
• Provide manpower support to the Municipalities in major activities that will be undertaken for the Project.
• Make available its resource and reference materials on topics concerning disability particularly on the development of the non-handicapping environment.
• Provide advice and consultation on strategies that would ensure the sustainability of the Project.
• Exhort the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) and the Local Council on Disability Affairs to assist partners in the promotion of the Project.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of the Project and provide regular feedback to the two (2) pioneering municipalities on the progress reports submitted to the NCDA.
• Provide assistance on Project related issues that need to be addressed at the national level.
• Provide advice and assistance in establishing linkage and access to the NCDA's existing network of local and international organizations.

In order to continuously detail the specific scope and manner of cooperation and coordination by the NCDA and the two (2) Municipalities, the parties shall each designate and notify the other of their respective coordinators for purpose of this Agreement, which coordinators shall from time to time meet and discuss an agreed plan of activities and discuss the progress of the Project implementation.