Establishing the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (Rpmes), Setting Forth Its Objectives, Defining Its Scope and Coverage, Requiring the Formulation of A Manual of Operations and For Other Similar Purposes

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Executive Order No. 376

Establishment of the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES)
- Aims to expedite project implementation and devolve project facilitation, problem-solving, monitoring and evaluation to the regions and sub-regional levels. (Section 1)
- Specific objectives include:
    - Provide up-to-date information on project implementation status for planning and budget allocation, including employment generation. (Section 1a)
    - Identify and resolve implementation problems at regional and sub-regional levels, and elevate unresolved issues to the Cabinet or President. (Section 1b)
    - Integrate all monitoring activities in the region. (Section 1c)
    - Assess whether projects support regional and national development goals and priorities. (Section 1d)
    - Provide information on lessons learned for future project planning and implementation. (Section 1e)
    - Provide a venue for greater participation of non-government organizations (NGOs) in development planning. (Section 1f)

Scope and Coverage (Section 2)
- Monitors and evaluates all development projects (economic, social, infrastructure, etc.) at regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels.
- Includes projects funded from national government and locally-generated resources.
- At the national level, the Government Corporate Monitoring and Coordinating Committee (GCMCC) monitors and evaluates the economic and physical performance of government corporations.
- At the regional level, projects in the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP), other foreign-assisted or nationally-funded projects, and regional components of nationwide projects are monitored.
- At the provincial, city, and municipal levels, projects implemented and managed at these levels with NALGU funds, foreign and nationally-funded projects, and other locally-funded projects are monitored.

Organization (Section 3)
- Implemented by development councils at various levels (RDC, PDC, C and MDC).
- A Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) is established under the RDC, in addition to the existing Project Monitoring Committees (PMCs).
- At the national level, initially implemented through the Cabinet Action Committee on Implementation Assistance (CACIA) with the NEDA Secretariat as the Secretariat.
- The Presidential Management Staff (PMS) independently monitors the President's commitments in the various regions.
- Extensive participation of NGOs as project monitors is advocated at all levels.
- RPMC composition and responsibilities at the regional level are specified.
- PMC composition and responsibilities at the sub-regional levels (province, city, and municipality) are specified.
- The PMCs may consult the Commission on Audit representatives on matters under their responsibility.

Responsibilities of Entities (Section 4)
- Outlines the specific roles and responsibilities of various units/organizations involved in the RPMES, including:
    - Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
    - National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
    - Office of the Cabinet Secretary-OP
    - Presidential Management Staff (PMS)
    - Government Corporate Monitoring and Coordinating Committee (GCMCC)
    - Project Implementators (Regular agencies, non-financial government-owned/controlled corporations, and local government units)
    - NGO Authorized Monitors
    - Project Monitoring Committees
    - Development Councils (RDC, PDC, C)
    - Department of Local Government

Implementing Rules and Regulations (Section 5)
- The Secretary of Budget and Management jointly with the Director-General of NEDA shall promulgate the rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Executive Order.

RPMES Manual of Operations (Section 6)
- A Manual of Operations to implement the RPMES shall be formulated jointly by the DBM, NEDA, DLG, and other concerned agencies.
- Trainings/Workshops on the use of the RPMES Manual of Operations shall be conducted within the next six months.

Funding (Section 7)
- Funds needed to implement the RPMES shall be made available from sources recommended by the DBM, with the approval of the President.
- Subsequent funding requirements, such as granting financial incentives to NGO monitors, training, capability-building, and other administrative costs, shall be provided in the General Appropriations Act under the Regional Development Fund.
- The funds for the RPMES shall be administered by the DBM.

Rescission Clause (Section 8)
- All orders, issuances, rules, and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby revoked or modified accordingly.
- This Executive Order should complement Memorandum Order No. 175, as amended, which provides for, among others, the creation of Project Monitoring Committees.

Effectivity (Section 9)
- This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.