PhilNet-RDI

Strengthening Large scale Philippine network organisation 

About PhilNet

• Since 1997 the NGO Philippine Network of Rural Development Institutes (PhilNet-RDI) believes in development initiatives for rural development and democratization at the ground level. It's overall framework aims at creating a development strategy that works towards participation and development of marginalized rural sectors and peoples. Its target groups are for example small scale entrepreneurs, female headed households, regular farm-workers, rural youth and children and fisher-folks. The network consists of 16 Rural Development Institutes supported by 3 regional secretariats and a national secretariat. The establishments and activities of the RDIs are spread over 23 islands. PhilNet-RDI works with three different programmes:
  
• 
   
• Training and Consultancy
• Rural Economic Development
• Research and Advocacy

Over the last period of time, development organisation ICCO has been supporting the organisation financially. This support comes with the necessary programmes which have to be evaluated every three years.              

Business case

During two weeks John van de Winkel has worked together with two Philippine consultants to gather the necessary information, analyse this and come up with possible recommendations. Finally the conclusion had to be made whether PhilNet-RDI has met the expectations and requirements set by ICCO and themselves. John van de Winkel has performed training-on-the-job with the two local consultants as well.

Results 
  

Analysis

The evaluation team has visited the Model "Local Economic Development" (LED) communities in the Visayas and Mindanao and had interviews and discussions with farmers and representatives of People Organizations, NGOs and Local Governments. With this analysis, the achievement of the following three goals has been evaluated:

• Ensured sustainability of the Network.
• Realized tangible and sustained improvement in the total life of the rural communities where it operates.
• Created proven alternative "models" of Rural Democratization and
Development initiatives that can be duplicated by others.

Together with the two consultants John has made an evaluation report for ICCO and made some suggestions for improvement and growth.

Advice 

The three goals are generally achieved. The organizational changes strengthened the Network and the organizational structure is adjusted to the objectives set by the Network. The financial sustainability has to improve though, next to the business development services. PhilNet-RDI should focus more on the development of People Organizations and businesses and enterprises as a next step in local economy development. Next to these general conclusions 12 concrete, useable recommendations are made by the team.

Follow up

The two local consultants will assist in implementing the recommendations made if needed, as John is available for reflection and questions online. He will travel to the Philippines at least twice a year, and is able to visit PhilNet-RDI to monitor and assist if needed.

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