To effectively translate objectives of the Community Development in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao (CD-CAAM) Program of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), a one-day Orientation Workshop for Capacity Building Assessmenton was conducted on October 24, 2013 at the El Bajada Hotel, Davao City.

Participated by leading staff of CD-CAAM from Central Management Office (CMO) and Regional Offices of Central Mindanao and Ranaw, the said orientation aims to determine the BDA CD-CAAM staff’s capacity to lead regional development efforts. In relation to this, the World Bank’s assessment of the current organizational capacities of BDA was presented. In particular, the report succinctly point out that:

BDA has already developed a certain expertise especially in the field of community organizing and development work. The good working relationship in the community is a major strength factor for the BDA as it grows to be a development manager. Obtaining the approval from the ground paves the way for more collaboration in the future. However, shift its paradigm from being a direct implementer of development projects to a manager or enabler of development which will be a challenge, as it requires both a different mindset and a different set of skills (the Report on the Organizational Capacity Assessment of Bangsamoro Development Agency, July 2012 version P.20-22).

Mr. Yukitoshi Matsumotso, one of the Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) Expert Team, said that the report from the World Bank is treated as a useful yardstick to identify key capacities which the CD-CAAM project is expected to strengthen.

The Assessment Model and the CD-CAAM Approach

Ms. Rochelle Angela Yu, Acting Resident Project Supervisor presented the assessment model using a four-level evaluation approach proposed by Kirkpatrick (1959, 1967). The evaluation framework suggests four levels of evaluation which has been widely used to evaluate capacity building activities. The four-level evaluation includes: Level 1: Reaction, Level 2: Learning, Level 3: Behaviour and Level 4: Results.

The model was originally developed to evaluate short-term capacity building activities such as training and workshop; it can also be used to evaluate mid-term performance improvement interventions such as CD-CAAM which mostly focus on ‘Learning by Doing’ type of activities. The evaluation at level 3 and 4, if properly designed, can give some insights on whether the Project produce positive organizational results within BDA upon its completion.

By adopting the World Bank’s assessment results and Kirkpatrick’s approach, the CD-CAAM Assessment Framework and Methods was also prepared. The presented evaluations outlined in the framework were be able to implement using methods such as semi-structure interview, questionnaire, Focus group discussion (FGD) and Portfolio Assessment.

Portfolio Assessment

Providing the overview of the Portfolio Assessment, Ms. Maricel Langahid, one of the ICNet’s Local Consultant stated that the portfolio assessment will be used to evaluate continuous learning process during pilot projects implementation.

“The ultimate aim in the use of portfolios is to develop independent, self-directed learners and it provides a more accurate picture of learners’ specific achievements, progress and the areas of needed attention” added Ms. Langahid.

Giving emphasis on the institutionalization of BDA, Ustadz Mohammad S. Yacob, BDA Executive Director, suggested including of the other programs of the BDA in the capacity building assessment. “The BDA is now facilitating many programs; hopefully, we can include the BDA in general including the regional offices. We should also consider how can we corporate the guidelines to the culture of the people. The assessment must be conducted regionalize to see also what others can contribute to BDA to become an effective developer” said ED Yacob.

Also present during the orientation was Ms. Maiko Morizane, JICA Representative and Ms. Mary Ann Bakisan, JICA Philippines Program Officer.

Ms. Bakisan emphasized on her message that orientation is very important and also the assessment framework is a very good guide in achieving what is opt to be achieved. “What is important is that we are honest with our feedbacks during the evaluation and we should take it seriously because who knows after 2016, BDA will be handling large scope project over Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao (CAAM)” added Ms. Bakisan.

The round-table discussion ended with the message from ED Yacob “Right now, I am happy and very grateful to the team behind this initiative to strengthen the BDA’s capacity. Somehow, there is something that we can be proud of in the future because effective implementation will always relay on discipline, morale and attitude. We should bear in mind that we are not only implementing project but we are also building peace in the community”.

The same orientation on portfolio assessment was also presented to the CD-CAAM staff of two regions, Central Mindanao and Ranaw, from Regional Coordinators down to Community Organizers on November 06 during the Monthly Planning meeting of the CD-CAAM Staff.

The CD-CAAM approach to capacity building is not only to address its technical aspects (such as specific skills/knowledge in implementation of pilot projects such as agriculture, fisheries and road rehabilitation/maintenance), but also to translate this into an enabling environment where BDA personnel can use their enhanced capacities in practice to create positive change within the organization.