May 6, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office (NRO) VIII conducted a four-day project development training physically attended by its technical staff and virtually participated in by the planning officers of agency regional offices and local government units on 2 to 6 May 2022 (excluding 3 May 2022).

The training aimed to provide the participants with an overview of the project development process and framework, including the theoretical background and foundations on project development in line with government objectives of promoting social and economic well-being, and practical knowledge, methodologies, and skills in conducting project development.

In his opening message, NRO VIII Regional Director Bonifacio G. Uy thanked the participants for joining the training initiated by the office for the first time in a while since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that the activity is the first in a series of capability building activities pipelined by its recently reactivated Project Development Assistance Center and is among NRO VIII’s proactive measures to enhance LGU capacities on the delivery of devolved functions and services and ensure successful implementation of the Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court Ruling.

The training involved lectures, open forum, case exercises, and presentation of group outputs, facilitated by a pool of resource persons from NRO VIII and a former NEDAn, namely: OIC-Assistant Regional Director Amelito B. Domingo, Supervising Economic Development Specialist (SEDS) Erlito H. Vitor, SEDS Geselle Frances P. Zeta, SEDS Jensen D. Rico, Accountant III May Catherine A. Jao, and Engr. Prisco O. Boco III (former NEDAn).

Topics covered in the learning sessions include project development cycle, logical framework, market aspects, technical aspects, financial aspects/analyses, economic aspects/analyses, operational aspects, monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects, and Investment Coordination Committee project evaluation process and templates.

Article and Photos by: Lady Jane A. Fermano, PDIPBD