Socio-economic Reconstruction and Development of Conflict-affected Areas in Mindanao

Following peace negotiations with key stakeholders in Mindanao, the reconstruction and development of conflict-affected areas of Mindanao became a priority issue in the Government of the Philippines. The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) was established specifically for this purpose. The objectives of this project were to formulate a socioeconomic development plan for the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas and to develop the capacity of the BDA.

IC Net was responsible for planning, design, implementation, supervision and quality control of small-scale infrastructure projects, including health center rehabilitation, electrification of a remote island, and pathway rehabilitation in 20 villages. In addition, IC Net developed and implemented a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system for the BDA and communities to assess progress, outcomes and benefits of those projects. IC Net experts ensured active participation of stakeholders in the monitoring and evaluation process and provided them with on-the-job training (OJT), with a view to increasing institutional capacity of BDA and communities. In the OJT programs, officials learned how to administer, manage and report on development programs. The projects implemented include construction of a school, a community center, and a village water supply system. Furthermore, IC Net conducted socioeconomic surveys with the BDA, including a survey of social infrastructure, and needs assessments for reconstruction. Finally, they implemented emergency assistance projects targeted at local residents in urgent need.

Based on the findings of the surveys and benefit monitoring and evaluation of those projects, IC Net experts successfully completed the formulation of a socio-economic development plan for the region.