Training and development issues

Process evaluation covered the period 7/83-7/87 and was based on document review and interviews with project and USAID/P personnel. Although training activities have been mostly on schedule, progress in other areas (research, forums, TA, commodity support) has been painfully slow, and it is extremely unlikely that all activities can be implemented by PACD. This slow progress is due to interpretational differences on implementation procedures between the implementing agency and the Mission (dating back to the design stage) and to communication problems. The time-consuming nature of the implementation procedures used has effectively ruled out use of the project for immediately needed policy-related studies. Also, priority areas for research and related activities are too broad; consequently, project activities and potential impact tend to be diffuse. The training component can be improved to enlarge training benefits and to broaden access to other GOP agencies and to regional participants. Despite its problems, however, current evidence suggests that the project can contribute to its institution-building objectives. Further, the potential value of the project has been enhanced by recent decisions of the implementing agency that will quicken the pace of implementation and expand project benefits, and also by the positive climate under the new Philippines Government. It is therefore recommended that the PACD be extended and that improved implementation guidelines and structures be agreed upon (including granting greater discretionary power to the implementing agency). In addition, the research agenda should be further refined. Regarding training, the evaluation recommends adopting the improvements that have been identified by the implementing agency, reassessing the distribution of fields of training, and establishing a monitoring system. Nine action decisions are presented, reflecting these recommendations. The project teaches the need for collaboration during project design, followed by maintenance of good communications during implementation. (Author abstract, modified)