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MARAWI RESPONSE PROJECT (MRP)

Quarterly Report FY 2020 1st Quarter – October 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019

Submission Date: January 31, 2020 Cooperative Agreement Number: 72049218CA00007 Activity Start Date and End Date: August 29, 2018 – August 28, 2021

Submitted by: Plan International USA, Inc.

This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development Philippine Mission (USAID/Philippines).

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PROJECT PROFILE Program: USAID/PHILIPPINES

MARAWI RESPONSE PROJECT (MRP)

Activity Start Date and End Date:

August 29, 2018 – August 28, 2021

Name of Prime Implementing Partner:

Plan USA International Inc.

Cooperative Agreement Number:

72049218CA00007

Names of Subcontractors/ Sub-awardees:

Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (ECOWEB) and Maranao People Development Center, Inc. (MARADECA)

Major Counterpart Organizations

Geographic Coverage (cities and or countries)

Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Lanao del Norte and Iligan City

Reporting Period: October 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019

                       

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CONTENTS PROJECT PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 2 

CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................... 3 

ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................................... 4 

1.  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................... 5 

2.  PROJECT OVERVIEW .............................................................................................. 7 

3.  ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS ......................................................... 8 

3.1  Administration ................................................................................................................................... 8 3.2  Technical ........................................................................................................................................... 12 3.3  Coordination ................................................................................................................................... 27 

4.  INTEGRATION OF CROSSCUTTING ISSUES AND USAID FORWARD PRIORITIES .............................................................................................................. 29 

4.1  Gender .............................................................................................................................................. 29 4.2  Youth Development ....................................................................................................................... 33 4.3  Environmental Compliance .......................................................................................................... 33 

5.  IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES .................................................................... 35 

6.  LESSONS LEARNED .............................................................................................. 36 

7.  PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT QUARTER ................................................ 37 

7.1  Intermediate Result 1 .................................................................................................................... 37 7.2  Intermediate Result 2 .................................................................................................................... 38 

ANNEX A: INDICATOR RESULTS SUMMARY TABLE ........................................... 40 

ANNEX B: SUCCESS STORIES .................................................................................... 42 

  

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ACRONYMS AIP Annual Implementation Plan AMELP Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan AOR Agreement Officer Representative BARMM Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao BMCCI Bangon Marawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry BRG Business Recovery Grant C-BED Community-Based Enterprise Development CDA Cooperative Development Authority CEFM Child, Early, and Forced Marriage CMG Community Micro Grant COP Chief of Party CSG Community Solidarity Group DTI Department of Trade and Industry DQA Data Quality Assessment ECOWEB Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits ESR Environmental Screening Report FGD Focus Group Discussion FY Fiscal Year GAP Gender Action Plan GEC Grants Evaluation Committee HARI Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. HCM Host Community Member HDCP Hyundai Dream Center Philippines ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross IDP Internally Displaced Person IKA In-kind Grant Agreement IR Intermediate Result LGU Local Government Unit LTA Long-Term Agreement MARADECA Maranao People Development Center, Inc. MERL Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning MRP Marawi Response Project MTE Mindanao Trade Expo OTR Ompongan o mga Taribasok sa Ranao P&R Pause and Reflect Session PCCI Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry PCDO Provincial Cooperative Development Office PMES Pre-Membership Education Seminar PNP Philippine National Police PSEA Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse RTW Ready-to-Wear SURGE Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity TFBM Task Force Bangon Marawi TOT Training of Trainers TESDA Technical Education and Skills Development Authority UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund USAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government USNO United States National Office YETI Youth Entrepreneurs’ Tech and Social Enterprise Ideation

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), the Marawi Response Project (MRP) ramped up training and grants, leading to its three most productive months to date. A total of 60 grant requests were reviewed, two approved, and 95 delivered this quarter. MRP managed to significantly improve its efficiency through a number of initiatives such as consolidating pre-entry grant forms, grouping procurements and establishing long-term agreements for procurement. Delivered grants included grocery, Ready-to-Wear (RTW), and bakery commodities, as well as community learning facilities and small infrastructure projects. Approximately 257 beneficiaries are directly benefiting from these grants, with an estimated 1,336 indirect beneficiaries. MRP and its partners, Maranao People Development Center, Inc. (MARADECA) and Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (ECOWEB), also continued to develop new grant ideas throughout the quarter, with a total of 111 new concept notes submitted. At the end of the quarter, the Grants Team successfully piloted a streamlined concept development process with five grant requests, which reduces the documentation required from the partners and simplifies the templates. The grants were complemented by MRP’s training component, with a total of 23 trainings held this quarter. Training topics included planning and financial management, community-based enterprise development, and vocational skills, such as garment-making, food preparation, baking, and small engine repair and vulcanizing. MRP also worked to connect beneficiaries with opportunities for funding and the private sector. In November, members of Community Solidarity Groups (CSGs) participated in the first ever Marawi Youth Entrepreneurs’ Tech and Social Enterprise Ideation Challenge. On December 16-17, 83 representatives from 24 CSGs were trained on project development and concept note preparation as part of the continuing capacity building for communities. On December 16, MRP presented key findings from its value chain studies conducted on handwoven goods, aquaculture, and horticultural crops to representatives from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other USAID-funded projects. Preliminary discussions with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and other national business organizations have generated agreements toward increased private-sector engagement in MRP’s implementation of value chain interventions. MRP continued its market assistance to local internally displaced persons (IDPs) businesses and producers through trade fair participation and direct market linkages with institutional buyers. The participation of MRP-supported IDP exhibitors at the 70th Manila FAME international trade show on October 17-19 generated sales amounting to US$26,000. MRP completed its baseline assessment in December 2019, which consisted of 354 surveys, 11 in-depth interviews, and 8 focus group discussions (FGDs). MRP is now finalizing the baseline assessment report, which will be submitted to USAID on January 31, 2020. The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) team also facilitated an internal Pause and Reflect Session (P&R) with MARADECA and ECOWEB on October 23, 2019. Significant topics included the importance of tracking continued engagement with CSGs, the lack of activities focusing specifically on youth, challenges related to the delivery of goods, and how to tackle environmental compliance issues, particularly around small infrastructure grants. On the operations front, the Chief of Party (COP) took leave from his position on November 15, 2019 and Plan International USA Senior Director stepped in as Acting COP on November 18, 2019. MRP hired one additional MERL Specialist who began in December 2019. Revisions to the Grants Manual will be submitted in early January, which, when approved, will increase the maximum grant ceiling for certain types of social cohesion grants. Further, the grants cycle changes proposed in the Grants Manual revisions

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aim to shorten the time between concept development and grant delivery, contributing to the ongoing efforts to streamline the procurement processes.

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2. PROJECT OVERVIEW Under the USAID Cooperative Agreement No. 72049218CA00007, Plan International USA (Plan) implements the MRP, together with its key local partners ECOWEB and MARADECA, in support of USAID/Philippines. MRP was awarded on August 29, 2018, with a three-year period of performance ending on August 28, 2021. The overall goal of MRP is to increase the self-reliance of IDPs and host community members (HCMs) affected by the Marawi siege.1 To achieve this purpose, the project will accomplish two Intermediate Results (IRs):

a. Improved economic conditions of IDPs and host communities; and b. Strengthened community cohesion in communities hosting large numbers of IDPs.

IR 1 provides direct assistance to businesspersons and communities in the form of in-kind grants that will enable them to restart economic activities, and training in skills that will make both young and adult IDPs, as well as HCMs, ready for employment. IR 1 also includes activities that will increase access to local and regional markets. MRP uses an integrated, community-based, private sector-driven, and market-oriented approach to improve the economic conditions of IDPs and host communities. IR 2 involves the delivery of grants and civic engagement training to strengthen cohesion between IDP families and their host communities, which include the local government units (LGU). MRP engages with IDPs and HCMs with the means to address their own needs, aspirations, and grievances, and brings both groups together in a participatory and collaborative process that builds trust, self-efficacy, and agency. Both IRs are interrelated and use a community-based, participatory approach within an adaptive management framework to enable MRP to enhance or change activities based on feedback and other data from IDPs and HCMs. Furthermore, the project applies the following cross-cutting principles: a ‘Do No Harm’ approach; youth participation and positive youth development; women and girls leadership programming; focus on business recovery and private-sector development; and civil society strengthening. Plan, together with ECOWEB and MARADECA, implements MRP in the following sites in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur:

Table 1. Current MRP Sites

Province City/Municipality

Lanao del Norte Baloi, Iligan City, Pantao Ragat, Pantar

Lanao del Sur

Balindong, Buadiposo Buntong, Bubong, Butig, Ditsaan Ramain, Kapai, Lumba Bayabao, Lumbaca Unayan, Lumbatan, Lumbayanague, Madalum, Marantao, Marawi City, Masiu, Molundo, Piagapo, Poona Bayabao, Saguiaran, Tamparan, Tubaran, Tugaya

1 This is the revised goal statement agreed upon at the Pause and Reflect Session in February 2019.

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3. ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS This section details MRP’s accomplishments during the Federal FY20 first quarter, specifically in achieving the objectives of the Annual Implementation Plan for Year 2 (AIP2).

3.1 Administration

Personnel and Organization

On November 15, 2019, the COP took a leave of absence from MRP that ran through the remainder of the reporting period.2 Senior Director of Plan International USA’s Program Implementation Unit, was named Acting COP on November 18, 2019 and remained in that post through the remainder of the reporting period. During this quarter, MRP hired one additional full-time MERL Specialist, as well as contracted one Procurement Consultant and seven short-term Assistants in Procurement, Finance, and Environmental Compliance to support increased volume of project outputs. One staff member (Finance Officer) resigned from the Project during the reporting quarter (October 9, 2019). The Project also completed refurbishment of the MRP Iligan Office, which now houses 67 Iligan-based staff, facilitating greater team cohesion and coordination. Approval of Key Documents

Year 2 Annual Implementation Plan (Y2 AIP): [Iterations submitted 10/23/19; 11/23/19; and 12/10/19]. Approved: 12/15/2019.

Grants Manual (Modified): Submitted 10/03/19. [Iteration submitted 01/08/2020].

During the reporting period, MRP made a number of revisions to the Grants Manual, primarily to streamline the community entry and grants approval processes. These changes are informed by the experience of Year 1 and combine to position MRP to increase the pace of implementation in Year 2. The major changes include: an increase in maximum grant budgets across a majority of grant categories; a reduction in the paperwork requirement for the Community Entry process; and a revised Concept Note template and drafting process designed for concision and accuracy. Throughout the revision process, MRP has consulted with partners to ensure congruence of all changes across each partner and MRP systems and facilitate swift adoption of new procedures. Organizational Strengthening

Staff Development During the quarter, MRP provided staff trainings in: Gender Integration; Gender Orientation; and Gender, Islam, and Maranao Culture to the Project and implementing partner staff (please see a detailed description in 4.1 Gender). Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Baseline Study Following the approval of the Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (AMELP) in June 2019, MRP publicly posted a terms of reference for a locally based consultant to conduct the baseline study. Despite the low level of interest among private academic and research institutions to do the research and the need to

2 The COP resigned in January 2020.

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carefully vet those that had expressed interest, MRP identified and hired a local consultant to conduct the study. MRP completed a near final draft of its baseline assessment in December 2019, which consisted of 354 surveys, 11 in-depth interviews, and 8 focus group discussions (FGDs). MRP is now finalizing the baseline assessment report, which will be submitted to USAID on January 31, 2020. The study will be used to establish the baseline values for three of the project’s performance indicators:

Indicator 1: Level of self-perceived self-reliance of assisted displaced and HCMs. Indicator 8: Level of polarization toward the other identity group. Indicator 9: Level of self-perception of public representation.

Once onboard, the MERL team worked closely with the local consultant to finalize the baseline methodology, develop and test the data collection tools, train the enumerators, and collect the quantitative data. To facilitate quick data collection and to help ensure data quality standards, MRP employed the Kalilintad Digital Platform to collect the quantitative survey data. A representative from Souktel traveled to Iligan from November 18–26, 2019 to support the baseline consultant and the MERL team in setting up the data collection tools in the system. The quantitative data was collected by the enumerators December 2-5, 2019. The qualitative data will be collected through FGDs scheduled for January 8-9, 2020. Following data collection, the consultant will analyze the data and compile it into a report for USAID. The baseline study is expected to be completed and shared with USAID by January 31, 2020. Data Quality Assessment In line with the MRP AMELP, USAID conducted a data quality assessment (DQA) of MRP’s training data (indicator 5 and 6). The DQA was conducted by the AOR from November 21-26, 2019. The AOR reviewed the project’s TrainNet data submissions and interviewed two MRP staff: MERL Specialist and Grants Officer. The DQA report is still being finalized. Once MRP receives the DQA report from USAID, the MERL team will address any identified DQA concerns and for improved systems and processes pertaining to future DQAs. Updates to the AMELP Per USAID guidance, in December 2019 MRP replaced the custom indicator “number of displaced/HCMs trained in work force readiness and life skills” (Indicator 6) with Standard Indicator EG.6-14, “percent of individuals who complete United States Government (USG)-assisted workforce development programs.” Reporting on the Standard Indicator aligns the project more closely with USAID’s commitment to monitoring outcome measures. MRP updated the approved AMELP and PIRS accordingly, including setting an annual target for the newly added Standard Indicator. MRP was also able to transform the data collected in Year 1 under the custom indicator to fit the new Standard Performance Indicator. Human Resources A new MERL Specialist joined the MRP MERL team in December 2019. The MERL Specialist will be responsible for assisting with routine data collection and analysis, contributing to the development and implementation of the project’s learning agenda, and assisting with internal and external reporting. Given the high volume of work required to support the baseline study, MRP hired an international consultant with expertise in MERL to provide surge support to the MRP MERL team. The international consultant supported the baseline study as well as provided general MERL technical support and local capacity building to the MRP team.

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Pause and Reflect Sessions In line with MRP’s commitment to adaptive management, MRP conducted one P&R session with local partners, MARADECA and ECOWEB, this quarter. During the P&R sessions, the team discussed current implementation challenges and solutions. Key issues discussed during this P&R session included: how to track continued engagement with CSGs, the lack of activities focusing specifically on youth, challenges related to the delivery of goods, and how to tackle environmental compliance issues, particularly around small infrastructure grants. In addition, one of the team members also dedicated significant time to discussing the post-delivery monitoring efforts. As a follow-up to the P&R session, the MERL unit held a training on post-delivery monitoring training in November. Due to the baseline activities that involved the local partners and the holiday in December, MRP conducted an internal P&R session in December. The next local partner P&R session will be conducted in early 2020. MRP did not conduct a P&R session with USAID this quarter; however, the project maintained close communication and coordination with USAID throughout the quarter. The next P&R session with USAID will be conducted in Quarter 2. Grants Tracking System This quarter MRP managed to significantly improve its efficiency through a number of initiatives such as consolidating pre-entry grant forms, grouping procurements and establishing long-term agreements for procurement. These are resulting is reduced cycle time for approval and delivery of grants, reductions in procurement time while ensuring internal controls remain robust. The grants management system, FLUXX, continues to serve as the primary tool for the MRP grants team in approving grants and collecting all grant-related documentation. To facilitate communications with other departments, the USNO Program Associate created separate pages in FLUXX, called dashboards, to provide specific grant-related information and data relevant to each department. MRP also created a donor dashboard, which was presented to the USAID AOR, Agreement Officer, Deputy Controller, and two Finance Officers on November 6, 2019. The presentation covered how FLUXX operates, and MRP provided FLUXX accounts to relevant personnel within the USAID/Philippines Mission. This quarter, MRP continued to leverage FLUXX to create efficiencies in the grants cycle. Custom templates were created for the Business Recovery Grants (BRGs) and Community Micro Grants (CMGs) proposals and the In-kind Grant Agreement (IKA) so that the grants team can now auto-populate completed proposals and IKAs with a click of a button. The system generates these completed forms based on the data entered into FLUXX, which also reduces the possibility of errors when the forms are manually produced. Finally, MRP developed a Weekly Status Report that will provide the grants team and other departments with an up-to-date status of each grant. In the next quarter, MRP will develop a similar

Grant Pilots

In line with the continuing effort of reducing the cycle time from grants approval to delivery, MRP conducted two pilots: quick response grants and streamlining regular grants.

To test the proposed quick response grant process, MRP piloted a community cleanup grant, which was initiated in November. The pilot showed that quick response grants can be done in three weeks: from receipt of the concept note to completion of delivery.

To streamline the regular grant process further, MRP piloted five community grants for solar lights, youth training facility rehabilitation, sports festival, community learning facility supplies, and community health facility supplies. This pilot was initiated in December with the aim of reducing the time to one month from the creation of a concept note by MARADECA and ECOWEB to completion of delivery by Plan/MRP. The pilot is still ongoing and is now at the procurement stage.

Please see IR 2, Output 2.1 Social Cohesion Grants to IDP/HCM Families and Annex C (Success Stories) for further details.

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report for the partners, MARADECA and ECOWEB, to improve communication on the micro-grants program. Detailed in the recently submitted Grants Manual revisions, Plan International USA conducted random spot checks of grants to ensure the accuracy of the information in FLUXX. A total of 31 proposals that were completed for Grants Officer’s review were selected for spot checking. This included verifying that all required documents were attached and that the information on the FLUXX request card matched the attached documents. All findings were provided to the grants team for review and action. Procurement During the October to December 2019 reporting period, the Procurement Unit delivered a total of 89 grants (an increase from the 42 grants delivered in the previous quarter). Supported by a consultant brought on to support the logistical and procurement requirements of the in-kind micro grant program, the Procurement Unit has streamlined its processes and documentation to increase its supply base and manage delivery of grants efficiently and effectively. A key driver of these improvement initiatives was the shift from a system in which staffers handled specific procurement functions to one in which individual staff members manage and are responsible for the entire procurement process from end-to-end. This improvement has saved time, clarified responsibilities on hand-offs for individual procurements and simultaneously embedded an internal control system that ensures the maintenance of checks and balances in the process. The staffing structure was also reviewed and modified to respond to the growing number of grants and procurement requests. For example, the MRP procurement unit has now created a dedicated team of three staff for delivery of procurements. These staff coordinate with the rest of the 10 to 12 MRP Logistics & Procurement staff to process delivery requests. Communications During the October to December reporting period, MRP Communications engaged in outreach efforts to advance program objectives and publicize MRP activities and successes. The Project increased engagement through meetings and communication initiatives with the local government public information offices of Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), government line agencies (Department of Social Welfare and Development, Mindanao Development Authority), Mindanao Humanitarian Team members (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and others). MRP produced a number of success stories that were circulated through Plan International and USAID social media accounts to increase awareness of the USG commitment to increasing self-reliance of IDPs and host communities affected by the siege. The team also continued to provide support, facilitation, and event management services by assisting USAID visits and other public activities to showcase the gains of the program. The MRP communication team also created and produced collateral materials (brochures, posters, panel displays, audio-video presentations) that were used during community-based trainings and key business events. Plans for FY20 Quarter 2: For the second quarter of FY20, the MRP communications strategy will predominantly focus on the dissemination of internally generated news and positive messages to national and local media, wire service agencies, and selected international publications. The communications team plans to document and produce a series of two-minute videos on the Stories of Resilience, under IR 2, with copies distributed to USAID, USG counterparts, and fellow Mindanao Humanitarian Team members working in the areas. Media outreach support at MRP events will be continued, and media networks in new areas, such as Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City, will be enriched, while Iligan, Lanao, and Marawi City will be improved. Event publicity and promotion support to IRs will continue to be extended to trainings and key events, such as the Youth Economic Empowerment Summit and the Mindanao Trade Expo at the Araw ng Davao, both

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in March. This support would include the production of pre- and post-event press releases, organization and facilitation of press conferences and tri-media road shows, design of event-related promotional materials, photo and video documentation, press room management, and assistance in drafting speeches and presentations. Photo and video documentation will continue to be provided during USG visits and events in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, or Marawi City.

3.2 Technical

Intermediate Result 1: Improved economic conditions of IDPs and host communities

Output 1.1: Business recovery opportunities expanded

Indicator 4: Number of displaced business owners who benefited from business recovery micro-grants (BRG)

MRP delivered 52 BRGs this quarter to aid in restarting businesses impacted by the Marawi siege. 60% of the business owners benefiting from these grants are women. BRGs delivered this quarter consisted primarily of in-kind assistance for grocery and textile businesses.

Table 2. Age and sex disaggregation for BRG beneficiaries

Number of Individuals Percentage

Youth (29 years old and

younger)

Young Women 0 0%

Young Men 0 0%

Total 0 0%

Adults (30 years old and

older)

Women 93 60%

Men 63 40%

Total 156 100%

Total

Women 93 60%

Men 63 40%

Total 156 100%

Project Validation and Business Plan Development Workshop for Batch 1 BRG Applicants

MRP conducted a Project Validation and Business Plan Development Workshop (Batch 1 of BRG applicants for Year 2) on November 12, 2019. The Workshop was attended by more than 200 small enterprise businesspersons and cooperatives, who were referred by Bangon Marawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) and other local agencies. The participants developed concept notes and corresponding business plans for submission to MRP for BRG assistance.

Bangon Marawi Chamber board member addresses participants to the Project Validation and Business Development Workshop 

held on November 12, 2019 in Iligan City (right). 

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Indicator 5: Number of displaced business owners trained in enterprise management

Business Recovery Training on Planning and Financial Management 

MRP held a business recovery training on Planning and Financial Management on November 13, 2019 at the Faminanash Integrated Laboratory School in Barangay Saduc Proper, Marawi City. Twenty-nine IDP businesspersons from Marawi (21 women and nine men) attended the workshop. Based on the needs identified in their submitted project proposals, MRP assisted this batch of business recovery applicants through training aimed to improve business operations in areas such as financial planning, business management, and related skills. This training activity consisted of three modules outlined below that the participants completed through lectures and interactive workshop activities.

Module 1 – Bookkeeping and Basic Accounting, including financial statements

Module 2 – Product Costing and Pricing Module 3 – Marketing, including digital marketing 

  

Table 3. Age and sex disaggregation of business recovery training participants

Individuals Percentage

Youth (29 years old and

younger)

Young Women 0 0%

Young Men 0 0%

Total 0 0%

Adults (30 years old and

older)

Women 21 70%

Men 9 30%

Total 30 100%

Total

Women 21 70%

Men 9 30%

Total 30 100%

Enhance Business Development MRP presented the results of the three value chain studies developed in Year 1 to USAID on December 16, 2019. IR 1 Lead, Lauro Tito Ilagan, presented key findings on the studies conducted on handwoven goods, aquaculture, and horticultural crops. The researchers who conducted the studies were also present to provide technical input. Representatives from USAID for the value chain presentation included USAID Deputy Mission Director, USAID Deputy Director for Economic Development, and the AOR. Also present were representatives from other USAID-funded projects, such as the Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) and Fish Right Projects. USAID affirmed MRP’s program for value chain implementation, citing the need for USAID-funded projects to have more engagement with the private sector. Following USAID presentation, MRP had also presented the findings from the value chain studies to its project partners, ECOWEB and MARADECA, as well as other local stakeholders, such as the Provincial Local Economic and Investment Office of Lanao del Sur and PCCI. Preliminary discussions

Participants of the Planning and Financial Management training held on November 13, 2019. 

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with PCCI and other national business organizations have generated initial agreements on increased private-sector engagement in MRP’s implementation of value chain interventions.

Contribute to Business Enabling Environment MRP’s partner business association, BMCCI, was awarded by the PCCI as “Most Outstanding Young Chamber” during the Philippine Business Conference 2019, on October 16-17, 2019. BMCCI received this award in part, due to its engagements with MRP which BMCCI President acknowledged in the award ceremony, BMCCI President acknowledged MRP’s assistance to the chamber as well as to the business community in Marawi. MRP, in partnership with BMCCI, has helped more than 200 IDP business owners through its BRG facility.

MRP Value Chain consultant consults with ECOWEB livelihood staff on possible activities for value chain implementation. 

BMCCI President  (center) hoists  the “Most Outstanding Young Chamber" award during  the Philippine BusinessConference 2019, on October 16‐17, 2019, at the Manila Hotel. 

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Assist Restarted Businesses in Market Development

National Trade Fair Participation: 70th Manila FAME MRP expanded the types of exhibitors it supports, through trade fair promotion and participation, by including social enterprises and new products among participants of the 70th Manila FAME held October 17-19, 2019, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The Manila FAME is considered to be the Philippines’ premier design and lifestyle trade fair. MRP continues its collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) by supporting the exclusive Maranao Pavilion, dedicated to IDP businesses from Marawi City and Lanao del Sur.

Under the same category of IDP businesses, these new groups included Aqilah, a youth-based social enterprise implementing the Cup of Hope project that promotes and produces local coffee. Proceeds from their coffee sales support its activities to promote mental health and disaster preparedness among IDPs. Another new exhibitor was the Marawi Tourism Social Enterprise Inc., a social enterprise start-up that promotes local tourism through promotion of traditional Maranao craftwork and products. MRP also expanded its product base to include processed food products, such as Palapa sa Lumba (processed white scallion), a native Maranao delicacy. From their recent participation to the FAME, the supported exhibitors collectively earned around P210,000 actual sales and P1.1 million of booked sales. Launching of Market Linkage Project between Maranao Collectibles and Ziya, Inc. MRP facilitated a supply agreement between Ziya, Inc., a Philippine pioneer in bohemian wear and accessories, and a Marawi-based IDP cooperative producing handwoven goods, Marano Collectibles Service Cooperative. This agreement serves to develop Ziya Artizans, which incorporates Maranao handwoven products in Ziya-designed apparel and accessories. Under the arrangement, Ziya will provide Maranao Collectible with a guaranteed market for its handwoven langkit fabric by incorporating these into its Artisans fashion line, including blazers, bags, dresses, and other Ziya brand items inspired by Maranao design. The launching of “Ziya Artisan: A Showcase of Maranao Weaving in Contemporary Wear” was successfully conducted on October 16, 2019 at the Ziya Store in SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Through MRP support in this initiative, Maranao Collectible has so far been able to provide income to at least 20 weaver-members, with an initial sale to Ziya worth around P100,000. MRP hopes to continue and expand on this partnership by involving other weavers’ cooperatives, which can produce the required fabric and consolidate by Maranao Collectible. During the product launch, which was attended by the Vice President of the Philippines, both the Ziya owner and Maranao Collectible Chairperson, thanked and acknowledged USAID and Plan for their support through the MRP.

DTI Secretary and Usec. visit the MRP‐supported Marawi Pavilion and pose with the IDP exhibitors during the 70th ManilaFAME, held October 17‐19, 2019, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. 

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Mobilize Marawi-based Youth for Business Development As part of its intensifying focus on youth, MRP supported the first Marawi Youth Entrepreneurs’ Tech and Social Enterprise Ideation Challenge, first in the upcoming series of youth economic empowerment and innovation related events. Held between November 24-27, 2019, the Ideation Challenge drew more than a hundred youth to the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol Building in Marawi City. Encouraging innovation to challenge the youth to think differently is a growing trend and has proven to be beneficial in addressing development challenges. MRP, in partnership with USAID’s SURGE Project, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology, and BMCCI, held the ideation challenge with the hopes of soliciting creative solutions related to livelihood and business recovery, technology and education, gender advocacy, or peace-building through social enterprises or tech solutions. Thirty different groups, including some of MRP’s youth-based CSGs – some from as far as Butig Municipality – joined the ideation challenge, eager to gain insight on social enterprise development, learn from the experiences of other successful social entrepreneurs, and, ultimately, develop and pitch ideas for presentation to the event organizers. Ten youth groups, whose proposed solutions were judged to have the most potential, were selected from among 30 entries. Among those selected were the MRP-supported CSGs, the Butig Youth Movement for Peace and Guinaopan Youth Action Organization, one proposing an idea for developing tourism in Butig and the other for promoting processed mushroom products. Other winners were existing social enterprises assisted by MRP under its business recovery program, including the Cup of Hope Project, which produces and sells local coffee to generate funds for the conduct of psychosocial services among IDPs, as well as Dayawan Weavers, which had earlier received product quality development training under the USAID-supported Weaving Hope in Marawi Project.

Output 1.2 Employment Opportunities Expanded

Indicator 6: Percentage of individuals who complete USG-assisted workforce development programs3

3 Indicator revised per USAID guidance to EG.6 Workforce Development Standard Indicator EG.6‐14. 

Ready for the challenge! Marawi Youth Entrepreneurs’ Tech and Social Enterprise Ideation Challenge. 

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Build on Training Needs Assessments and Market Demand MRP provided technical and life skills training to IDPs and host communities across the following three tracks: 1) training activities to support community micro grants; 2) community demand for technical skills training activities; and 3) industry/market demand for labor force. The Project also offered training activities for soft/life skills and entrepreneurial skills to increase workforce readiness of IDPs and HCMs. Most of the training activities identified under tracks 1 and 2 focus on skills predominantly used in the community such as garment-making, food preparation, baking, small engine repair and vulcanizing, cellphone repair, vegetable gardening, tilapia fish production, soap making, and beauty care. For track 3, MRP will work with the PCCI and its local chapters in Marawi City and Iligan City, People Management Association of the Philippines, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Technical Vocational Institutes, Public Employment Service Office, and with major industries and private companies. Table 4 below provides the breakdown of the 488 training participants in Quarter 1:  

Table 4. Age and sex disaggregation of technical and soft skills training participants

Individuals Percentage

Youth (29 years old and

younger)

Young Women 126 50%

Young Men 127 50%

Total 253 100%

Adults (30 years old and

older)

Women 137 58%

Men 98 42%

Total 235 100%

Total

Women 263 54%

Men 225 46%

Total 488 100% Four hundred-thirty-six (436) individuals completed the technical skills training. Of those who completed the training, two hundred-forty-six (56%) are women, and 176 (40%) are youths.

Table 5. Age and sex disaggregation of technical skills training participants

Individuals Percentage

Youth (29 years old and

younger)

Young Women 85 48%

Young Men 91 52%

Total 176 100%

Adults (30 years old and

older)

Women 161 62%

Men 99 38%

Total 260 100%

Total Women 246 56%

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Men 190 44%

Total 436 100%

Eighty-two (82) individuals were trained with the soft/life and entrepreneurial skills, 41 (50%) are IDPs, 54 (66%) are women, and 81 (99%) are youths.

Table 6. Age and sex disaggregation of soft/life skills and entrepreneurial skills training completers

Individuals Percentage

Youth (29 years old and

younger)

Young Women 53 65%

Young Men 28 35%

Total 81 100%

Adults (30 years old and

older)

Women 1 100%

Men 0 0%

Total 1 100%

Total

Women 54 66%

Men 28 34%

Total 82 100%

Partnership with the Government and Private Sector

MRP - Filip + Inna Specialized Training, Test Production, and Marketing of Maranao Cultural Designs and Woven Fabric MRP partnered with the founder and Creative Director of Filip + Inna, a clothing brand that promotes the talent and craftsmanship of the country’s indigenous people. Under this partnership, she mentors a group of 22 CSG members from Marantao, Lanao del Sur in weaving and designing bead sequins that promote Maranao culture and designs. The clothing company will buy the finished products of this specialized training. This training is also being supported by the Lanao del Sur Provincial Livelihood and Technology Development Center.

A mentoring session with members of the Pakaranon Women Community Solidarity Group on November 6, 2019 in BarangayPoona Marantao, Marantao, Lanao del Sur. 

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She works with artisans across the archipelago, giving them an opportunity to continue practicing their traditional craft while improving their livelihood. With this, she plans to establish long-term partnerships with the MRP CSGs in reviving Maranao culture and designs as she introduces them to her market.

To further support this partnership, MRP, in cooperation with the Lanao del Sur Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO) and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), conducted a cooperative Pre-Membership Education Seminar (PMES) for the Pakaranon Women CSG members on October 25, 2019. This is part of the institutional development support being provided to CSGs to help in sustaining MRP’s development support to IDPs and HCMs.

 

Specialized training on hand painting and production of apparel, bags, and Christmas decorations MRP also partnered with an Iligan City-born artist, who is a well-known designer of costumes, props, and stage for street dancing festivals and other artistic productions. Among her famous clients is the renowned theatre group Integrated Performing Arts Group. Under this partnership with MRP, she mentors a group

of 17 IDPs and HCMs from Barangays Mahayahay and Tambacan in Iligan City in producing artistic items

CSG members from Barangays Mahayahay and Tambacan, Iligan City with their finished products. 

Initial group outputs a few weeks after the mentoring season. 

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and house decorations. The group produced Christmas decorations, which were displayed for sale at Iligan Ethnic Center, Buhanginan Hills, Iligan City in December. She also used social media in marketing their finished products. The group plans to continue the partnership to create more artistic items that would depict Maranao and Mindanao culture and arts.

Department of Trade and Industry

In partnership with the DTI-Lanao del Norte Provincial Office and the Task Force Bangon Marawi, a total 150 IDPs and HCMs from Barangays Ragayan and Poctan, Butig Lanao del Sur have completed training in carpentry, masonry, and dressmaking. Under this partnership, MRP covered the cost of technical skills training, while DTI provided 50 sewing machines, 50 carpentry kits, and 50 masonry tool kits, which were awarded during the mass graduation ceremony on November 20, 2019.

MRP is currently working with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on the possibility of employing graduates of the carpentry and masonry training for their community facility construction projects such as the construction of Temporary Learning Shelters and permanent school buildings in Barangays Ragayan and Poctan, Butig, Lanao del Sur.

Lanao del Sur Provincial Government

In partnership with the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, MRP conducted a three-day training on sakurab (white scallion) production on October 8-10, 2019 as part of its CMG assistance to the Ompongan o mga Taribasok sa Ranao (OTR) on sakurab production. The OTR is a CSG of farmers residing in Barangay Nanagun, Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur, and has requested assistance on sakurab farming. Sakurab is a highly favored crop in the province and integral in the preparation of palapa, a local delicacy among the Maranao. The OTR, which is composed of both IDP and HCM farmers, intend to use their local farmland for the production of sakurab for purposes of livelihood and economic improvement. This activity is part of MRP’s ongoing partnership with the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, upholding earlier commitments to collaborate on the provision of assistance to IDPs through organized CSGs. After the training session, the OTR members were recognized by the provincial governor of Lanao del Sur, who

A total of 150 IDPs and HCMs attended the graduation ceremony after completing community‐based technical skills training activities in Barangays Poctan and Ragayan, Butig, Lanao del Sur on November 20, 2019. 

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led the turnover of production inputs of sakurab seedlings and farm tools during a ceremonial event on October 10, 2019 at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol Building.

The same OTR members from Barangay Nanagun and another 25 farmer CSG members from Barangay Wago, Lumbayanague also received training in vegetable gardening from October 1-8, 2019. The eight-day training provided participating farmers with fundamental knowledge and skills of gardening, focusing on topics such as types of soils and land preparation, control of pests and diseases, and advantages of vegetable gardening. At the end of the training, the participants established a demonstration garden.

Community-Based Enterprise Development (C-BED)

During the quarter, two batches of C-BED workshops were conducted. These workshops engaged a total of 59 youth IDPs and HCMs participants from Barangays Poctan and Ragayan in Butig, Lanao del Sur, and Barangays Olango and Tambo in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur. The workshops led to four potential livelihood projects to be funded under the MRP CMG program. The workshops were facilitated by 10 youth trained C-BED facilitators (five from C-BED Training of Trainers (TOT) batch 1 and five from batch 2). The C-BED TOT completers were tapped by MRP to facilitate Barangay-level C-BED workshop rollouts as part of the workforce readiness program for the youth. The facilitators were provided with allowances for the services rendered. Baseline Enumerators

Eighteen select youth from those who successfully completed C-BED TOT workshops were hired as enumerators for the MRP baseline study. They received orientation and additional training before they were sent to the community to gather data for the baseline.

Members  of  the  OTR  from  Barangay  Wago,  Lumbayanague,  LDS  sorting  white  scallion  planting  materials  for  thedemonstration garden. 

Women participate in a C‐BED workshop held this quarter. 

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C-BED TOT Batch 3

Additionally, during this quarter, a total of 23 youth leaders from partner institutions under the Youth Development Alliance have completed the C-BED TOT. Ten youth facilitators were endorsed by the Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation of Lanao del Sur; four were endorsed by the Sangguniang Kabataan of Iligan City; four were members of PAG-ASA Youth Association of the Philippines and were endorsed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Iligan City; and five were members of the MYDev organized youth groups in Marawi City. They are expected to assist the endorsing agencies in implementing youth development programs in their respective areas. Cooperative Development Pre-membership Seminars

In partnership with the Lanao del Sur PCDO, MRP organized two cooperative PMES and line agency forums attended by CSG leaders from the municipalities of Marantao, Lumbayanague, Buadiposo Buntong, Bubong, Saguiaran, and Poona Bayabao, all in the Lanao del Sur province. Speakers were invited, including representatives from the CDA and Bureau of Internal Revenue. This activity is part of MRP’s effort to organize IDP and HCM grant beneficiaries into cooperatives as part of a sustainability mechanism. Develop Workforce Readiness Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI)-Plan International Partnership Five youth from various CSGs were competitively selected for the Hyundai Dream Center Philippines (HDCP) Program, a partnership between Hyundai Motor Group, HARI, and Plan International. The program aims to expand the opportunities of young people from poorer or more vulnerable backgrounds that demonstrate potential of developing their skills in the automotive industry. The participants are currently undergoing six months of training prior to becoming on-the-job trainees at various Hyundai dealerships throughout the Philippines. The company guarantees that all program graduates will have the opportunity for job placement at Hyundai. The Hyundai Dream Center includes TESDA’s training curriculum for Basic Automotive course (NC1 and NC2).

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Output 1.3: Livelihood Opportunities Expanded

Indicator 7: Number of IDPs/HCMs who benefited from livelihood micro-grants. A total of four CMGs for Livelihood were approved this quarter with 13 grants being delivered. The CMGs delivered included livelihood activities for grocery store businesses, dressmaking, and bakery.

Intermediate Result 2: Social Cohesion of IDPs and Host Communities Strengthened

Outcome Indicators 8 and 9

IR 2: Social cohesion of IDPs and HCMs strengthened is measured by outcome indicators on a) Reduced polarization between IDPs and HCMs (Indicator 8); and b) Improved perception of public representation (Indicator 9). For this quarter, no measurements were taken on these indicators since the baseline survey was still in progress during this reporting quarter. It is anticipated that these indicators will be measured toward the end of FY20. It is noteworthy that various activities and initiatives were carried out to pursue

MRP CSG members undergoing training through the Hyundai Dream Center Program. 

Left: MRP Grants Manager (third from left), oversees delivery of bakery grants to the Bandera Group in Barangay Sandab,Butig; Right: Bandera Group President inspects bakery equipment provided by MRP as part of CMG livelihood assistance. 

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the reduction of polarization and the increase in public representation of IDPs and HCMs in local governance and development with the following examples to illustrate the approach: Output 2.1: Social Cohesion Grants to IDP/HCM Families

In the first quarter of FY20, MRP successfully continued to develop and deliver community engagement and community improvement grants at the community level to foster harmony and understanding between IDPs and HCMs as demonstrated by the first quarter progress against Year 2 targets: Table 7. FY20 Q1 Achievement against MRP Social Cohesion Targets

Indicator AIP 2 Target

First Quarter Progress

Balance for the Year Qty. Percent

Number of social cohesion grants delivered 156 4 3% 152 Number of IDPs/HCMs benefiting from social cohesion grants 28,745 1,086 4% 27,659

Number of social cohesion grants being procured 27

(not applicable) Number of concept notes endorsed 38

Total projects in the pipeline 127

Five projects were delivered during this period, with one of them being school improvement support for critical barangays, namely Poctan and Ragayan, in Butig, Lanao del Sur. These barangays have been the site of conflict between government armed forces and militant extremists in the past years, purportedly part of the preceding encounters that led to the Marawi siege in 2017. To date, the area continues to be impoverished and marginalized, with most of its public structures destroyed by the conflict.

The school improvement facilities were requested by the local Parents-Teachers-Community Association as part of their effort to improve educational support for children in the community. The other projects include two functional literacy grants, a multipurpose pavement, and a pilot quick response activity that is described in more detail in the succeeding sections.  

The earnest start of social cohesion grants delivery in the first quarter was mainly due to the careful attention given to the establishment of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) with prospective suppliers and the

School improvement support in two of the most conflict‐affected barangays in Butig, Lanao del Sur. Teachers, parents, barangay officers, and students gather to show solidarity for education in the community. 

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search for contractors for community improvement infrastructure. As observed in Year 1 there are only a limited number of eligible construction firms and suppliers expressed interest in MRP’s invitations and offers. Most construction firms consider the potential security risks in the MRP project sites as high and consider unfavorably the potential high transaction costs of the project. To address these issues MRP following established procurement processes and procedures established a number of prospectively viable arrangements with companies under LTAs to provide specific commodities such as construction materials, chairs, and tables as well as contractors for small infrastructure such as multi-purpose pavements, water systems rehabilitation, solar streetlights, and toilets. Contract signing of these LTAs is anticipated in January 2020.

In Year 2, MRP positioned itself for the implementation of barangay-scale projects that have greater community impact and reach, both in terms of basic social services delivery and of community cohesion strengthening. In the first quarter, at least 21 concept notes of barangay-scale community infrastructure were endorsed for full proposal development. These include public lighting, water systems rehabilitation and upgrade, WASH or toilet facilities, and multi-purpose pavements. This forms part of the effort to increase funding per project and scale up the community impact. To balance and complement barangay-level projects that are relatively long-gestating, MRP has planned to embark on various Quick Response grants in Year 2. Illustrative activities for these types of micro-grants include, but are not limited to: repair and refurbishment of community centers, such as schools, barangay halls, and health centers; cleanup drives and solid waste management campaigns; cultural events; sports festivals; and repair of public structures, such as waiting sheds and other transport terminals. Where applicable, basic fixtures; such as tables, chairs, and tents; will also be provided. To test this mechanism, one quick response grant for Cleanup Campaign in Barangay Tambacan, Iligan City was implemented in the first quarter. Tambacan is one of the highest populated barangays, with around 18,000 people, and has a high concentration of IDPs, around 1,000 people. During the Community Score Card workshop in the barangays, solid waste management had been raised and prioritized as a key challenge facing impacted communities. Both IDP and HCM participants not only agreed that this was a basic health

First  community  infrastructure project  in progress.  The multi‐purpose pavement  in Pagayawan, Bubong, Lanao del Sur is set to be completed in January 2020. It is the first small infrastructure ofMRP.  Experiences  on  internal  systems  and  field  implementation  emanating  from  theimplementation of this first project would guide succeeding infrastructure projects. 

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and environmental issue, but also that it was causing conflict within the community. In the spirit of supporting the Barangay LGU in this concern, three CSGs in Tambacan decided to propose a cleanup campaign to MRP. The proposal included basic materials and tools that will augment the facilities of the Barangay. The delivery of the grant was done within 30 days from Concept Note to actual delivery and use (see accompanying Success Story in Annex B).

Output 2.2: Social Cohesion Training

Quick  response  in  Barangay  Tambacan.  Top:  Around  500  people,  composed  of  IDPs,  HCMs,  and  barangay  officers, participated in the cleanup on November 30, 2019. Three CSGs proposed the project as a way of supporting the barangayin its solid waste management drive. One of the 24 sites cleaned was a coastal area. The bottom photo shows before andafter pictures of the area. The barangay has been doing the cleanup as a regular quarterly activity. 

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Community preparation and capacity-building activities were also sustained by local partners, MARADECA and ECOWEB, in the first quarter of Year 2. These included the conduct of community-based assessments and consultations, such as the Community Score Card workshops, Participatory Resource Appraisal, and Conflict Risk Assessments. These activities continue to be the foundation of the projects reported above, reinforcing the demand-driven and needs-based approach of the project, ensuring “Do-No-Harm” principles, and establishing early stage sustainability mechanisms, such as commodity custodianship and sharing, policies on project operation, and maintenance. These activities were done in 16 barangays. In addition, a center-based Civic Engagement Training was conducted in December. A total of 83 CSG participants attended, representing 24 barangays. For peace narratives, community-based Peace Building trainings were completed in 10 barangays. The following table summarizes the progress made on social cohesion trainings in the past quarter: Table 8. FY20 Q1 Social Cohesion Trainings

Indicator AIP 2 Target

First Quarter Progress

Balance for the Year Qty. Percent

Number of IDPs and HCMs trained in civic engagement, peace narratives or peace building, community score card, gender trainings, and other trainings

3,850 785 20% 3,065

Number of women attending civic engagement trainings and peace building workshops

1,925 471 24% 1,454

Aside from developing CSG technical and life skills, all the community-based workshops contribute to the development of social cohesion grants – from identification to formulation. The center-based Civic Engagement Training focused on building the capability of CSG members in developing and preparing simple concept notes – a skill they can use not only to support MRP initiatives, but also to access support from other development organizations or programs. The training resulted in the drafting and submission of 24 Concept Notes, 19 of which have been endorsed to the Grants Team.

3.3 Coordination

Task Force Bangon Marawi Through MRP-DTI-TFBM cooperation, a total of 150 IDPs and HCMs from Barangays Poctan and Ragayan in Butig, Lanao del Sur have completed technical skills training on dressmaking, carpentry, and masonry, as well as received training toolkits in a mass graduation ceremony on November 20, 2019. Coordination Activities with LGUs and Government Agencies In partnership with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, MRP conducted a ceremony awarding 24 approved micro grant projects to CSGs in Lanao del Sur on October 10, 2019. MRP and Lanao del Sur Provincial Government also awarded a token of appreciation to HARI for granting a scholarship award to five IDPs and HCMs on automotive technology and for servicing, customer communication, and work preparedness by the HDCP.

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Coordination with other donor-funded projects

MRP has been coordinating with other international organizations and aid agencies to expand it coordination and identify potential coordination venues with existing community level interventions. For this quarter, MRP’s workforce readiness program worked with ICRC to facilitate employment of local residents who completed MRP-funded training on carpentry and masonry in constructing a three-classroom Temporary Learning Space in Barangay Ragayan, Butig, Lanao del Sur.

Left photo: Senior VP of Programs and Policy, Plan International USA speaks with HARI COO at the Marawi Response Project Awarding of Grants Ceremony. Right photo: Lanao del Sur Governor and SVP awards the token of appreciation to HARI COO. 

Plan’s SVP  and MRP Economic Development Lead pose with IDP and HCM women trained in dressmaking. They proudly wore the dresses they produced themselves during the Awarding of Grants to IDPs and HCMs in Lanao del Sur on October 10, 2019. 

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4. INTEGRATION OF CROSSCUTTING ISSUES AND USAID FORWARD PRIORITIES

4.1 Gender

During the October to December 2019 reporting period, MRP progress against the Gender Action Plan (GAP) captured in the AIP 2 included the following:

AIP 2/GAP 2 Accomplishment

During the second year of implementation, MRP will continue to ensure that gender is integrated throughout the project activities. The project will roll out gender sensitization training for staff and partners to make sure that all those involved have a common understanding of gender as a concept, as well as its importance to successful project implementation.

During the reporting quarter, Plan-MRP conducted a series of trainings on Gender Integration for project technical staff and implementing partners, as well as Gender Orientation, to available personnel. The Senior Director for Gender of Plan USA who visited MRP last October 16-30, 2019, co-facilitated the trainings and conducted FGDs with implementing partners on gender situation and emerging gender issues in the communities where MRP is present. GENDER INTEGRATION

Gender Integration and Mainstreaming Series of two-day training on the Gender Integration Tool, developed by the Senior Director for Gender and the MRP Gender Specialist, were conducted allowing to deepen Plan-MRP technical staff and implementing partners will understanding of gender integration issues. The trainings helped to identify activities where gender actions can be integrated. This is particularly helpful for the implementing partners when assisting CSGs in crafting their Project Proposals, which already capture the Gender Lens of their proposed projects. Skills acquired by implementing partners will have positive impact on the long-term sustainability of gender actions. The last batch of training for MARADECA is scheduled in January 2020.

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Participants of the Training Workshop on Gender, Islam, and Maranao Culture from Plan‐MRP, ECOWEB, and MARADECA held last November 4‐6, 2019 at Plan‐MRP. 

MRP will seek to improve the level of awareness and understanding of staff and implementing partners on gender sensitivity, inclusion, Maranao culture and its gender dimension, prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), safeguarding children and young people, sex- and gender-based violence, and pertinent policies of Plan and USAID on gender through capacity building and positive values formation.

TARGETED GENDER ACTIONS

Gender, Islam, and Maranao Culture The three-day training equipped the participants with a basic understanding of gender in an Islamic perspective, which is necessary in providing a culturally sensitive intervention and community peace building activities for the Marawi rehabilitation process. The training involved modular learning sessions, reflective dialogues, and application workshops. Seven major sessions were done as described below:

1. Session 1: Orientation and Leveling Off Expectations 2. Session 2: Gender and Qur’anic Exegesis 3. Session 3: Understanding the Maranao Traditional

Governance System: An Overview 4. Session 4: Leadership Roles of Women in a Maranao Context 5. Session 5: Lived Realities of Muslim Women in the Philippines 6. Session 6: A Personal Journey to Conflict Transformation 7. Session 7: Conflict Mapping in the Post-Conflict Marawi Siege

Establishing the foundation of long-term sustainability on MRP’s gender integration and targeted gender interventions will require engagement of diverse stakeholders. As such, MRP will continue its engagement with the GBV Working Group in pursuit of a meaningful partnership with the Regional Gender and Development Committee and the Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

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Through its Gender Specialist, MRP participated in various meetings, fora, and consultation aimed at engaging the government and providing inputs reflecting the issues and concerns of its beneficiaries, women, children, and young people. These include the following: SAFE SPACES ACT (REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11313) CONSULTATION The Philippine Commission on Women, together with Plan International Philippines, held the fifth of the eight countrywide consultations on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, on October 4, 2019 in Cotabato City. The Safe Spaces Act was signed into law on April 17, 2019 and became effective on August 3, 2019. Aimed at strengthening the country’s legal framework against sexual harassment, the act seeks to prevent gender-based sexual harassment from occurring in streets, public places, and online workplaces, as well as educational and training institutions. These are the top issues identified during the consultation and concerns brought up by Plan-MRP:

Top Issues Identified During the Consultation

Concerns Raised

According to the discussion made by an Attorney from SALIGAN, only the offended person can file the case.

What if the person is a child or with disabilities? How can he or she file a case given these situations? We recommended that any person who has knowledge of the crime can report and file a case.

Broad powers of Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies on the internet

The law gave broad powers to PNP and other law-enforcement agencies on the internet but poorly delineated the line between investigation and the protection of the right to privacy of individuals.

Participants raised the issue of how this might be a tool for government surveillance against those who are critical to the present administration.

Capacity of PNP and other law enforcement agencies to implement the law especially on Gender-Based Online Sexual Harassment

Internet connectivity is still a challenge within BARMM. It has been observed that the presence of PNP Anti-

Cybercrime Group is not felt as per feedback of the participants.

Dynamics between government and social media companies

What would be the arrangement between the government and social media companies in terms of sharing information and data relevant to investigating Gender-Based Online Sexual Harassment? The group recommended that a clear process be outlined between government and social media companies and be disseminated to the public.

Filing of cases and protection of victims/survivors

It was recommended that there should be options for a person to file a complaint either online or offline.

Since this is a form of GBV or VAW, the Gender Specialist recommended that Barangay Chairpersons and VAW Desk Officers be deputized to issue Barangay Protection Orders under this law while waiting for a Temporary Protection Order to be issued by courts.

Referral Mechanism Whether or not the crime was committed online or offline, there should be a referral mechanism established to support the victim/survivor, such as financial and legal services,

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psychosocial services, temporary shelter, and other relevant services.

There are few half-way homes/temporary shelters in BARMM. In Lanao del Sur, the shelter located at the Provincial Capital compound was converted into an office.

Strengthen existing referral pathways created by the Joint Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Working Group.

YOUTH FORUM ON CHILD, EARLY, AND FORCED MARRIAGE MRP’s Gender Specialist participated in the BARMM-United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) convened Youth Forum on Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM), on November 28, 2019 in Cotabato City. UNICEF and UNFPA statistics point to the challenges that child and early marriage pose to girls in the Philippines, including BARMM.4 MRP is working to reduce CEFM in its implementation areas. In its second year, MRP will work with its local partners to establish mechanisms and create pathways for women CSGs to respond to gender issues, such as GBV; sexual exploitation of children; harmful traditional practices, including forced marriages, especially of children; or constraints on mobility. The project will work closely with the provincial and regional social welfare workers, as well as civil society groups with community formations, to ensure the functionality of such mechanisms. These mechanisms can also function as part of internal protection measures within Plan International to identify any issues relating to prevention and response to sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). It will integrate the campaign of Office of the Regional Darul Ifta’ against child marriage by raising awareness and distribution of the Fatwa against child marriage during CSG meetings and consultations. ROUNDTABLE ON PREVENTING CHILD, EARLY, AND FORCED MARRIAGE

The roundtable discussion held on the afternoon of November 28, 2019 in Cotabato City gathered BARMM government representatives and civil society members to discuss the prevalence of CEFM, current programming in the region, as well as explore ways to improve and encourage the contribution of each office and organization to help alleviate the harmful effects of child marriage. Plan also took this opportunity to introduce our global CEFM research initiative in the BARMM region and present the research objectives, methodology, and timeline to these key stakeholders. Plan’s MRP Gender Specialist also assisted Livelihood, Social Cohesion, and Workforce Readiness in integrating gender in their activities. He was admitted to the 2019 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Generation Workshop: Advancing Gender Equality, a US State Department-funded program held in Brunei last October 7-11, 2019. He intends to use his acquired knowledge on Design Thinking with the youth and women CSGs, which could help them translate their project proposals into gender transformative solutions.

4 For example, 15% of Filipino girls are married before their 18th birthday, and 2% are married before the age of 15. According to UNICEF, the Philippines has the 12th highest absolute number of child brides in the world at 726,000. Women in BARMM, MIMAROPA, and SOCCKSARGEN marry earlier than those in other regions. In BARMM, there are 14.3 million youth, 7.5 million of which are girls, and an estimated 55,000 child marriages.

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4.2 Youth Development 

MRP continues to implement capacity development programs for youth to ensure that youth are fully engaged as active participants alongside families, community, and government to reach their full potential. In these efforts MRP ensures that women youth are given equal access to these interventions and opportunities to practice their learnings. For this quarter, a total of 253 youth completed technical skills, life soft skills, and entrepreneurial skills training. Fifty percent of those who completed the training were women. A total of 28 MRP trained youth were able to practice their learning by facilitating appropriate MRP events and workshops. Forty-one C-BED youth facilitators were also involved in a GirlEngage inspired session (participatory design methods) to shape a design for a youth innovation challenge. This is part of a proposed MRP activity that offers an opportunity to engage young people in co-designing a process for developing innovative, youth-led solutions that contribute to economic development and social cohesion. The session was facilitated by the Associate Director for Innovation from Plan USNO from December 6-10, 2019. The youth identified health, education, and empowerment of marginalized and vulnerable peers as critical issues to youth development. Participants’ insights will be integrated in the design of a Youth Economic Empowerment Summit, scheduled for March 2020.

4.3 Environmental Compliance

On November 6, 2019, MRP’s Environmental Compliance staff participated in a Procedure Gap Analysis with USAID officers, including the AOR, Mission Environmental Officer, Asia Environmental Compliance Officer, and Regional Environmental Advisor. The gap analysis meeting was held to discuss MRP’s management of environmental compliance processes. Among the discussion points included possible ways to streamline the environmental compliance process, including the future possibility of authorizing the project to approve smaller grants following Environmental Screening Reports (ESRs). Such streamlining is dependent on approval of a robust Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan and sustained due

Participants of the Roundtable Discussion on Preventing Child, Early, and Force Marriage held last November 28, 2019 in Cotabato City. Plan Philippines Country Director and UNFPA Philippines Country Representative participated in the roundtable discussion. 

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diligence and documentation, including the recently implemented process of attachment of ESRs in FLUXX. In mid-December 2019, an Environmental Specialist STTA joined the project to support increased number of grants with environmental compliance requirements. Environmental compliance monitoring for MRP’s first community infrastructure grant – the Barangay Pagayawan Bubong multi-purpose concrete pavement – was conducted over a five-week period starting in late November and ending in early January 2020. The mapping and the supporting documentation of this will be submitted for USAID review in early January 2020. During the reporting quarter, 60 community micro-grants were GEC reviewed, with 51 determined as “No to Low Negative Environmental Impact” and seven as “Negative Determination with Conditions,” requiring ESRs. With these CMGs included, the project has undertaken a GEC review of 385 projects. Three hundred fourteen were “No to Low Environmental Impact” (No ESR required), 69 were “Negative Determination with Conditions” (ESRs required), and two deferred to resolve minor issues. Of the 69 CMGs requiring ESRs, 18 had been approved by USAID, eight were under review, and 43 were under preparation. As part of its continued focus on improving project delivery, MRP will be bundling its ESR requests, to consolidate and simplify the submission by MRP and review by USAID. As such, in January, MRP plans to submit bundled ESRs for solar streetlights, multi-purpose concrete pavement projects, computer shops and small agri-machines.

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5. IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES During the first quarter of FY20, MRP encountered the following challenges in project implementation: Under IR 1: Despite modifications in approach to soliciting potential grants for business recovery (i.e., expanding sources of referrals beyond the Bangon Marawi Chamber), the majority of concept note submissions from business recovery applicants were still for the conventional types, particularly grocery and RTW, sectors in which MRP has already provided substantial assistance. This has created a challenge to meet USAID policy guidance for MRP to diversify the businesses it has been supporting under the BRG facility.  A challenge facing the Project’s Workforce Readiness component arose from the related factors of limited wage-earning employment opportunities for IDPs within the Lanao provinces and nearby cities, coupled with the apparent reluctance of many unemployed IDPs and HCMs to migrate to Luzon or the Visayas to access more plentiful wage-earning employment opportunities. Under IR 2: A number of proposed Social Cohesion projects, including small infrastructure and cultural festivals, require commodities that exceed the US$5,000 ceiling. Reflecting security concerns, very few contractors or vendors have expressed interest in implementing small infrastructure projects in more remote, high-risk areas.

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6. LESSONS LEARNED Under IR 1: Use value chain studies to guide BRG facility and provide options for potential business grant recipients to identify business ideas that would allow for a wider range of business activities and promote economic development in the province. Value chain studies or cooperative ventures can also provide insights into potential supply chain activities. Interventions for wage-earning employment should include mechanisms to strengthen safety and security (including appropriate housing) for IDPs and HCMs, especially those outside of their current areas. Training-to-employment program packages with major industries that need workforce seem to reduce the concerns and hesitation of IDPs and HCMs to venture outside their current locations. Hence, in the coming quarter, MRP will explore potential partnership with select locally developed industries for mass training and employment of qualified IDPs and HCMs. Under IR 2:

Pending the benefit of an increase in budget cap or threshold, small infrastructures and other larger community engagement projects will need to be phased or supported with a supplemental activity (e.g., a separate budget for associated trainings and events). There is a need to further tighten planning and coordination with local partners and clarify roles and schedules on delivery and implementation.

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7. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT QUARTER 7.1 Intermediate Result 1

a. Implementation of Value Chain Activities MRP will commence activities related to the development of value chains that were studied in Year 1, particularly for handwoven goods, aquaculture, and horticultural crops. MRP will engage with the LGU, local and national business chambers (such as PCCI and the Makati Business Club), as well as other pertinent agencies on partnerships to continue to establish market linkages between IDPs and HCMs involved in production and institutional buyers, such as processors and exporters. MRP will also work with partners in aligning CMGs for livelihood along the identified value chains. Project identification and selection for BRGs will likewise be expanded to include sectors and enterprises related to the priority value chains. MRP will also work with local business chambers and the investment promotion center of Iligan City in conducting a barangay investment caravan and an Economic Forum to promote livelihood and business activities identified in the priority value chains, including market opportunities for IDP and HCM producers. MRP will also work with the Lanao del Sur Provincial Economic and Investment Office in developing the provincial economic agenda, which will include MRP’s priority value chains. b. Participation in MTE 2020 Regional Trade Fair MRP will continue its support of IDP businesses and CSGs in market development through participation in the Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) 2020 scheduled for March 2020. The MTE is the biggest and longest running trade and marketing event in Mindanao held annually since 1996. MRP will support exhibitors and participants, primarily from BRG and CMG recipients, engaged in enterprises pertinent to the priority value chains. c. Linking Businesses to Microfinance MRP will commence its engagement with USAID RestartMe in piloting microfinancing among select CSGs for livelihood activities under priority value chains. MRP will also work with local business chambers in promoting microfinance and micro-insurance among local IDP entrepreneurs as well as generating institutional capabilities to assist IDP entrepreneurs to access finance such as creating income and balance sheet statements as well as simplified business plans. d. Mobilizing Marawi-based Youth for Business Development IDP youth groups selected in the Youth Entrepreneurs’ Tech and Social Enterprise Ideation (YETI) Challenge last November 25-27, 2019 will commence business incubation activities through MRP’s support. MRP will also integrate its BRG facility into activities related to YETI, as well as ideation “winners” in the Youth Economic Empowerment Summit scheduled for March. e. Strengthening the Relationship with Private Industries on Workforce Readiness MRP will continue to work with HARI for the training of youth IDPs and HCMs in automotive technology and servicing, customer communication, and work preparedness under the Asia Dream Centre in Calamba City, Laguna. MRP will also explore potential workforce readiness and employment partnership with other major private sector partners. f. Youth Economic Empowerment Summit In partnership with government and other private institutions, MRP will organize a Youth Economic Empowerment Summit in March 2020 to showcase initial gains on workforce development and positive youth development initiatives. This event will provide inter-CSG dialogues and idea exchanges on youth-led

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innovation and business incubation solutions. The event is also envisioned to provide an opportunity for the youth to meet and interact with the business sector and other potential project funders. g. Technical Skills Training and Capacity Enhancement MRP will engage 278 participants in technical skills and capacity enhancement, such as life skills and entrepreneurial skills. This will encompass 235 trainees in technical skills, including forklift operation, basic dressmaking, food processing, silk screen printing, computer skills (graphic design), motorcycle or small engine repair, and rubber vulcanization. In addition, 43 young people will participate in life and entrepreneurial skills sessions as part of their workforce readiness training.

7.2 Intermediate Result 2

a. Scale-up of Social Cohesion Grants Deliveries For the second quarter of FY20, the delivery of social cohesion grants will be increased. This will include projects on Community Learning Facilities, Functional Literacy, Public Lighting (Solar Streetlights), Water Rehabilitation Systems, Cultural Festivals, and Sports Events. Closer coordination with the Grants, Procurement, MARADECA, and ECOWEB teams will be done to ensure the systematic delivery of grants. Around 30 projects are expected to be delivered within the quarter. b. Sustained Processing of Social Cohesion Grants Proposals In the coming quarter, around 100 Concept Notes will be reviewed and endorsed, with the intention of having them processed for approval and purchase request. Parallel to this, tracking of Concept Notes and updating with local partners, MARADECA and ECOWEB, will be further systematized. c. Scale-up of Quick Response Initiatives In the first quarter, a quick response social cohesion activity was tested, specifically the Barangay Tambacan Clean-up drive. The experience involved at least 500 participants and was led by three CSGs and the Barangay LGU. The total time to process the quick response took just three weeks from Concept Note to delivery. In the coming quarter, at least 10 quick response activities will be implemented. d. Conduct of Civic Engagement Trainings, Workshops, and Event Civic engagement trainings, workshops, and events, such as cluster learning reviews, sectoral (women, youth, men) conferences, project development write shops, and local development planning, will be conducted. At least four major trainings or events will be done in the coming quarter. e. Conduct of Gender Integration Events and Initiatives Gender actions will continue to be implemented in various program activities, and key events promoting gender integration will be pursued in the coming quarter. At least four gender actions and two key events will be implemented in the coming quarter. f. Start of Peace Narratives Documentation and Dissemination In cooperation with the Communications Team, peace narratives, such as stories of resilience, will be documented, produced, and shared in the coming quarter. Activities under this task include peace narrative interviews and film production, as well as strategic communications initiatives, such as audience analysis and concept review of community radio programming.

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g. Start of Construction Cooperative Project in Butig US-based non-governmental organization IMPL will start their approved proposal to build a Construction Cooperative in Butig, Lanao del Sur. They have done this in the adjacent Piagapo, with a focus on training young people. This initiative is set to run for at least nine months and will start in the coming quarter. h. Formulation of Targets for Indicators 8 and 9 With the baseline study set to be completed by January 31, target setting for social cohesion indicators 8 and 9, reducing polarization, and increasing public representation, respectively, will be done. This will be pursued in close coordination with the MERL team.

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ANNEX A: INDICATOR RESULTS SUMMARY TABLE Table A1: Indicator Results Summary (through December 31, 2019)

Indicator Type of

Indicator Baseline

Results

Year 1 Year 2 Target

Q1 To-Date

Total

Manageable Impact: Self-reliance of IDPs and HCMs who were affected by the Marawi siege.

1 Level of self-perceived, self-reliance of assisted displaced and host communities.

Custom TBD N/A TBD TBD TBD

Intermediate Result 1: Improved economic conditions of IDPs and host communities.

2 Number of displaced business owners with new or restarted businesses

Custom 0 265 0 TBD 26

3 Percent of trained displaced/HCMs gainfully employed

Custom 0

4

Number of displaced business owners who benefited from business recovery micro-grants

Custom 0

26

400 52 78

5 Number of displaced business owners trained in enterprise management

Custom 0 226 400 20 246

6

Percent of individuals who complete USG-assisted workforce development programs

Standard (EG.6-14)

0 99%6 80% 99.8% 99%

7 Number of displaced/HCMs who benefited from livelihood micro-grants

Custom 0

28

2,000 1,105 1,133

Intermediate Result 2: Strengthened community cohesion in communities hosting large numbers of IDPs.

8 Level of polarization toward the other identity group

Custom TBD 0 TBD TBD

9 Level of self-perception of public representation

Custom TBD 0 TBD TBD

10 Number of displaced/HCMs who benefited from social cohesion grants

Custom 0 0 28,745 1,086 1,086

11 Number of displaced/HCMs trained on civic engagement

Custom 0 790 3,850 785 1,575

5 For Indicator 2, “Number of displaced business owners with new or restarted businesses,” Year 1 total of 26 captures the number of businesspersons benefiting from delivered BRGs by the end of September 2019. 6 For Indicator 6, “Percent of individuals who complete USG-assisted workforce development programs,” Year 1 achievement of 99% is derived by dividing the number of successful completers by the total number of enrollees (1,155/1,168 = 98.9%, rounded to 99%). Year 2, Q1 figure of 97% is derived using the same “completers/total enrollees” calculation for the quarter (i.e., 519/520 = 99.8%). To date, totals derived ([1,155+519]/[1,168+520] = 1,675/1,688 = 99.2%, rounded to 99%.

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Table A2: Supplemental Information on MRP Grants Program (through December 31, 2019)

Year 1 Grant

Request Reviewed Approved

Purchase Request Issued

Delivered

Business Recovery Grant (BRG) 175 175 142 135 77

Community Micro Grant (CMG)

Livelihood 76 76 38 26 15

Community Improvement 66 66 30 28 3

Community Engagement 8 8 8 7 0

Total 325 325 218 196 95

Returned 14

Year 2 Grant

Request Reviewed Approved

Purchase Request Issued

Delivered

First Quarter

BRG 0 0 0 0 0

CMG

Livelihood 58 45 0 0 0

Community Improvement 46 12 1

Community Engagement 7 3 1 1 0

Total 111 60 2 1 0

Grand Total 436 385 220 197 95

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ANNEX B: SUCCESS STORIES

Displaced and host community work to clean village

IDPs spearhead cleanup in their host community in Iligan City

PHILIPPINES

Tambacan local government unit officials were provided with cleaning equipment to maintain waste management in the community.  

Youth members of Magandang Buhay community clean their area of the Barangay. 

ILIGAN CITY—The city of Iligan in Lanao del Norte hosted the majority of the displaced population of the most affected area (MAA) of Marawi City after the siege in May 2017.

More than two years later, the city’s communities adopted many of these displaced families as their own. As the population grew in Barangay Tambacan, Iligan City, waste management became the local government unit’s major obstacle. To respond to the increasing concern, 10 Marawi Response Project (MRP)-assisted community solidarity groups (CSGs) who have settled in the barangay, including Magandang Buhay (Good Life) CSG, proposed a Barangay Tambacan clean-up drive.

“Mabait nila kaming tinanggap sa barangay nila, ang pinakamainam na gagawin naming ay panatiliing malinis ang kapaligirang pinagkatiwala nila sa amin [The residents of this barangay were kind enough to let us stay. The best we can do is help maintain the space they entrusted us with],” said a member of Magandang Buhay CSG while taking out plastic wrappers from the drainage canal by the road.

Plan International, the implementing partner for USAID’s MRP, under their Social Cohesion quick response, designed the cleanup activity in the coastal village. Plan also provided their local government with the necessary equipment to maintain proper sanitation and waste management.

The activity is one of MRP’s initiatives to strengthen cohesion between displaced and host communities and to improve their relationship while prioritizing the welfare of individuals.

The community of Tambacan is one of many communities being assisted by USAID in its efforts to revive Marawi’s deprived economy damaged by violent extremism.

As of January 2020, USAID’s Marawi

Response Program has more than 150

ongoing community recovery project

grants to strengthen displaced and host

communities affected by the Marawi

siege.