Search on for effective governance projects

The Panibagong Paraan 2008 launched a contest on proposed projects that seek to promote and strengthen or institutionalize indigenous mechanisms for participatory governance to help improve the quality of life of every Filipino.

The contest aims to invite ideas for proposed projects that would build and utilize multi-stakeholder partnership to develop transparency and accountability in governance, broaden and improve the quality of citizen participation in governance, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and improve responsiveness and efficiency of public service.

The Panibagong Paraan program grants up to P1,000,000 for the implementation of winning project proposals. The actual grant amount will be based on the budget submitted for a certain proposed project.

Proposals should provide for counterpart contributions, in cash or in kind, coming from the proponent organization and its partner organization amounting to at least 30 percent of the total cost.

Project categories include governance and administration, delivery of basic social services (including health, nutrition, education, housing and energy), economic development, environmental management, and disaster risk reduction and rehabilitation.

The special category is based on population and development issues. It should show how local government units and other sectors work together in the community and it must also possess consistency and sustainability.

Entries should be submitted using the concept paper format that may be downloaded from the official website of the Panibagong Paraan 2008 program. Deadline of entries will be on December 22.

Finalist-entries will be reviewed by distinguished jurors. Project authors will be asked to participate during the exhibit and culminating event in April of next year after the winners of the two-day exhibit will be announced.

Winning entries will be evaluated according to the following criteria: innovation - 30 percent; partnership-building - 30 percent; development results - 20 percent; and sustainability, scalability and replicability - 20 percent. — Phoebe Jen Indino/MEEV