March 25, 2024 – Manila, Philippines: A weeklong evaluation of the EU-IFAD project concluded successfully today, following an extensive series of activities that included a management review, field visits, and a wrap-up workshop. The evaluation, held from March 18-25, was spearheaded by Mr. Bruno Declerq of the European Commission, alongside Mr. Benoit Thierry and Mr. Peter Situ, with support from Ms. Lany Rebagay of the Asian Farmers’ Association (AFA). Also present were Mr. Aneet Kumar and Ms. Losalini Quiolevu of the Pacific Farmers Organization (PFO), who participated in the evaluation of Farmers’ Organizations (FOs) in the Philippines.
The evaluation team arrived in Manila on March 18, setting the stage for a detailed review of the project’s first four components, which began on March 19. This review, presented by AFA-LVC (APFP-FO4A), was conducted in a hybrid format, enabling participation from members of National Farmer Organizations (NFOs) such as KAMMPIL, who joined virtually. Further discussions were held on March 20, 23, and 24, led by Agricord (FO4A) and PFO (APFP/FO4ACP), continuing the assessment of the project’s progress.
A key highlight of the evaluation was the field visit on March 21 to the MAALSADA Farmers’ Cooperative in Alangalang, Leyte. Here, the team reviewed the implementation of a business plan for palay procurement, supported by APFP-FO4A. They also visited the KAMMPIL main office in Barangay Daro, Jaro, Leyte, to evaluate the cooperative’s operations, focusing on their business plans for vegetable, vinegar, and desiccated coconut expansion. KAMMPIL had meticulously prepared for the visit, ensuring that all aspects of the evaluation were well-managed, including the physical setup and hospitality for the evaluators. The team was accommodated at Rosvenil Hotel in Tacloban City, where the National Project Coordinator was also based. KAMMPIL hosted a dinner for the visitors, further showcasing their commitment to the project.
On March 22, key staff from KAMMPIL-NIA, including the Knowledge Management Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Finance Officer, Assistant Finance Officer, Bookkeeper, and Business Development Services Officer, engaged in face-to-face discussions with the evaluators at Rosvenil’s Café. These discussions centered on the execution and outcomes of the four project components. KAMMPIL also covered the transportation costs for staff, venue fees, and catering for snacks and lunch, ensuring a seamless evaluation process.
The weeklong evaluation culminated in a wrap-up session on March 25, conducted in a hybrid format using a different meeting link from the earlier meetings. This final session served to consolidate the findings and observations made throughout the week, setting the stage for the next steps in the project’s ongoing development.
The comprehensive evaluation underscored the commitment of all stakeholders involved in the EU-IFAD project to achieve its objectives and ensure the sustainable development of Farmers’ Organizations in the Philippines.