As part of its continuous monitoring of ARCDP2, the World Bank conducted the 3rd Implementation Review Mission last May 8-24, 2006. The first two review missions were conducted last September 2005 and February 2006.

The Mision gave the Project a rating of satisfactory based on its continued good performance in progressively achieving its targets from its catch-up plans, as well as in generating initial benefits and outcomes for the realization of its objectives. It was also noted that the physical and financial rate of accomplishments continued to improve while compliance to fiduciary and safeguards agreements were adhered to, and in some cases improved.

Before and during the 17-day mission, the Team visited a total of 19 ARCs located in the provinces of Batanes (4), Bataan (1), Oriental Negros (1), Davao del Norte (1), Masbate (2), Bohol (6), Misamis Occidental (3), and Zamboanga del Norte (1).

The WB team was led by Maria Theresa G. Quiñones and Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough (task team leaders) and the DAR team was led by Undersecretary Gerundio C. Madueño and Assistant Secretary Kashmir B. Leyretana through ARCDP2 Chief Technical Advisor Adelberto B. Baniqued and Field Implementation Support Coordinator Tomas A. Cabueños, Jr.

ARCDP2 Launches Monograph on Women Entrepreneurs

Seven women entrepreneurs from ARCDP2-covered ARCs were presented at the launching of the Project’s monograph “ARCDP2’s Women Entrepreneurs and their Stories” at the 5th Agraryo Trade Fair last June 7, 2006 held at Megatrade hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

The featured women entrepreneurs, who were trained and supported by ARCDP2’s Provincial Project Offices (PPOs) through various sklls and management training programs, training assistance and other interventions were: Rosario N. Borbe of Albay, with her native santan delicacy; Amalia C. Pableo of Batanes, with her turmeric powder; Corazon C. Edralin of Isabela, with her calamansi nectar; Marianita M. Suson of Masbate, with her banana chips; Ellen dG. Tañala of Occidental Mindoro, with her woodworks and furnitures; Elena Padilla of Quezon I, with her various enterprises; and Flora G. Valdes of Zambales, with her pastillas.

This monograph is the first in a series of publications as part of the Project’s documentation of ARCDP2’s “best practices” and other experiences in project implementation.

The life stories presented in this monograph also speak of the successful participation of women in developing enterprises in areas covered by ARCDP2, a World Bank-funded project of the Department of Agrarian Reform. They have willingly responded to the call of the Project and bravely decided to modify their daily routine from being housewives, community or PO leaders to busy entrepreneurs.

ARCDP2 continues to provide technical assistance to these women under the Agriculture and Enterprise Development component. The Project enhanced these women’s managerial skills for small-scale business enterprises through business planning, product development and standardization, product dressing, market promotion and for some, helped them access financing. They were also trained in business management techniques and were provided coaching in the implementation of their business plans.

Success stories are written, not only to provide insights and lessons to other agrarian reform beneficiaries, but also to inspire others to go into entrepreneurship. The more human aspects of these women’s lives were included to demonstrate that difficulties or poverty need not hinder anyone from achieving entrepreneurial success. Hopefully, more women, and men, could be encouraged to consider entrepreneurship as an alternative source of livelihood.