AEWs gear up for results-based evaluation approach

Fri, 05/27/2022 - 16:10
AEWs gear up for results-based evaluation approach

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is currently evolving from the traditional implementation based approach towards advanced results-based approach which is mainly directed to the assessment of outcomes and impact of development interventions.

In pursuit of excellence and improved governance in Agriculture and Fisheries Extension services, the Agricultural Training Institute as the capacity builder, knowledge bank, and catalyst of Philippine Agriculture and Fishery Extension System of the Department of Agriculture has been institutionalizing the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension (AFE) Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (RBME) System.

As a relatively new paradigm, there is a need to capacitate Agricultural Extension Workers in the Local Government Units on RBME as they transition to Mandanas thus aligning with the devolution of basic services to LGUs. It will then lead to results-based interventions in relation to the implementation of the AFE RBME system.

Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in the region were gathered for a five-day training on RBME system which discussed the theoretical and practical concepts and principles on RBME that include but were not limited to the roles of M&E, RBME criteria and standards, the theory of change, RBME performance framework, and evaluation approaches.

The training enabled participants’ appreciation on the importance of monitoring and evaluation activities in their respective LGUs, specifically the need to conduct evaluation on program, more so with projects that have significant cost of funding, to properly guide the beneficiaries on sustainability.

Ms. Fredlyn Joy A. Delima, shares of her experience in the training, “Nakulbaan ko nga ako’y muattend ani kay wa jud ko’y alamag ani although naa mi ani pero monitoring lang jud. Naay parts during sa discussion nga naglibog ko asa man ne nako ibutang pero na connect ra sad nako after sa tanang discussions. I hope ig abot nako sa Monday, i-allow sa among boss nga i-apply ang RBME kay nindot siya. Bag-o pa ko sa government, pero nakita nako nga walay sustainability. Sige lang ug hatag pero mawagtang. I hope ma-evaluate ug makita jud unsay nahimo sa mga projects pinaagi aning RBME. Thank you. (I was nervous to attend the training since I don’t know anything about the topic, except on the concept of monitoring projects. I got confused at some point not knowing when I could apply or relate this to work, but these were resolved by the end of the discussion. I go back to my office by Monday, I hope my boss will allow us to apply the RBME since it is a wonderful tool. I am a new government employee, and I saw first-hand how projects lack sustainability. There are several doll outs that are neglected along the way. I hope to use the RBME to evaluate these projects. Thank you.)

Participants have agreed to conduct a re-echo to their MAs/MAOs and to all the technical staff. Some of them plan to pilot or incorporate RBME system on the implemented projects/programs in their LGUs starting this upcoming semester.

A total of 18 participants completed the Strategic M&E through Results-based Monitoring and Evaluation (RBME) on May 23-27, 2022 at Haiyan Hotel & Resort, Tanauan, Leyte. (With reports from MJ Pepe and MRJ Lobina)

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