Menu

Basic Info

Please review before submit

Nominee Information

Institutional Information
Member State Philippines
Institution Name Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur
Institution Type Local Government Unit (LGU)
Administrative Level Local
Name of initiative Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) Convergence Program
Projects Operational Years 5
Website of Institution usad_ads@yahoo.com.ph

Question 1: About the Initiative
Is this a public sector initiative? Yes

Question 2: Categories
Is the initiative relevant to one of the UNPSA categories? Reaching the poorest and most vulnerable through inclusive services and partnerships
UNPSACriteria
2017.1.1 Introduces an idea, policy, practice or structure that is distinctively new, innovative and unique in the context of a given country or region, for reaching the poorest and most vulnerable and ensuring that they make progress towards the SDGs
2017.1.2 Increases the access of the poorest and most vulnerable people to quality and affordable public services. This can be done notably by addressing the obstacles that hinder their access to public services such as geography, income or other social or economic factors, security issues, care burden, mobility, discrimination related to sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity and other factors depending on the country or regional context. This can also include introducing new approaches to delivering services or claiming rights and obtaining benefits, so that the poorest and most vulnerable can access those more easily.
2017.1.3 Promote partnerships to mobilize and share knowledge, skills, technologies and financial resources to support the poorest and most vulnerable
2017.1.4 Encourage and promote effective partnerships between public, private and civil society organizations to deliver public services or respond to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. Those can be based on experience and strategies that can empower the poorest and most vulnerable to reach the SDGs in various areas
2017.1.5 Creates mechanisms to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable (and those who represent or assist them) can easily obtain information about public services -notably services related to the SDGs- , related decisions and approaches, as well as about their own rights and entitlements.
2017.1.6 Creates mechanisms that can help the poorest and most vulnerable (and those representing or assisting them) to hold the government accountable on the delivery of public services. This may include mechanisms allowing them to provide feedback on the relevance, quality and cost of public services; report any wrongdoing; initiate investigations; file complaints or request compensation where relevant.
2017.1.7 Introduces mechanisms that ensure that public officials are informed about the special needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, trained and equipped to meet them and held accountable when these needs are ignored or when the rights of the poorest and most vulnerable people are not protected.

Question 3: Sustainable Development Goals
Is the initiative relevant to any of the 17 SDG(s)? Yes
If you answered yes above, please specify which SDG is the most relevant to the initiative. (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Goal 3: Good Health
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Which target(s) within the SDGs specified above is the initiative relevant to? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
1.1 By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day
1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
1.5 By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters
1.a Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions
2.1 By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round
2.2 By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons
2.3 By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment
2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality
2.5 By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels, and promote access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, as internationally agreed
2.a Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries
2.b Correct and prevent trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets, including through the parallel elimination of all forms of agricultural export subsidies and all export measures with equivalent effect, in accordance with the mandate of the Doha Development Round
3.1 By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
3.7 By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes
3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
3.b Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all
3.c Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States
3.d Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks
4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
4.2 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education
4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
4.6 By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy
4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
4.a Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all
6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.2 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations
6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes
6.a By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
7.b By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support
8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
8.6 By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
8.9 By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
11.a Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
11.b By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
12.b Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
15.9 By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts
15.a Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems
15.b Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation
16.4 By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime
16.5 Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
16.b Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development
17.5 Adopt and implement investment promotion regimes for least developed countries
17.7 Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed
17.14 Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development
17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, publicprivate and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships
17.19 By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries

Question 4: Implementation Date
Has the initiative been implemented for two or more years Yes
Please provide date of implemenation (dd/MM/yyyy) 02 Jan 2013

Question 5: Partners
Has the United Nations or any UN agencies been involved in this initiative? No
Which UN agency was involved? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
Please provide details

Question 6: Supporting documentation
Will you be able to provide supporting documentation for your initiative? Yes

Question 7: UNPSA Awards
Has the initiative already won a UNPS Award? No

Question 8: Other Awards
Has the initiative won other Public Service Awards? No

Question 9: How did you learn about UNPSA?
How did you learn about UNPSA? thru the invitation from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Agusan del Sur, Provincial Office.

Question 10: Validation Consent
I give consent to contact relevant persons and entities to inquire about the initiative for validation purpose. No

Question 1: About the Initiative
Is this a public sector initiative? Yes

Question 2: Categories
Is the initiative relevant to one of the UNPSA categories? Reaching the poorest and most vulnerable through inclusive services and partnerships
UNPSACriteria
2017.1.1 Introduces an idea, policy, practice or structure that is distinctively new, innovative and unique in the context of a given country or region, for reaching the poorest and most vulnerable and ensuring that they make progress towards the SDGs
2017.1.2 Increases the access of the poorest and most vulnerable people to quality and affordable public services. This can be done notably by addressing the obstacles that hinder their access to public services such as geography, income or other social or economic factors, security issues, care burden, mobility, discrimination related to sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity and other factors depending on the country or regional context. This can also include introducing new approaches to delivering services or claiming rights and obtaining benefits, so that the poorest and most vulnerable can access those more easily.
2017.1.3 Promote partnerships to mobilize and share knowledge, skills, technologies and financial resources to support the poorest and most vulnerable
2017.1.4 Encourage and promote effective partnerships between public, private and civil society organizations to deliver public services or respond to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. Those can be based on experience and strategies that can empower the poorest and most vulnerable to reach the SDGs in various areas
2017.1.5 Creates mechanisms to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable (and those who represent or assist them) can easily obtain information about public services -notably services related to the SDGs- , related decisions and approaches, as well as about their own rights and entitlements.
2017.1.6 Creates mechanisms that can help the poorest and most vulnerable (and those representing or assisting them) to hold the government accountable on the delivery of public services. This may include mechanisms allowing them to provide feedback on the relevance, quality and cost of public services; report any wrongdoing; initiate investigations; file complaints or request compensation where relevant.
2017.1.7 Introduces mechanisms that ensure that public officials are informed about the special needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, trained and equipped to meet them and held accountable when these needs are ignored or when the rights of the poorest and most vulnerable people are not protected.

Question 3: Sustainable Development Goals
Is the initiative relevant to any of the 17 SDG(s)? Yes
If you answered yes above, please specify which SDG is the most relevant to the initiative. (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Goal 3: Good Health
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Which target(s) within the SDGs specified above is the initiative relevant to? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
1.1 By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day
1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
1.5 By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters
1.a Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions
2.1 By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round
2.2 By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons
2.3 By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment
2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality
2.5 By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels, and promote access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, as internationally agreed
2.a Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries
2.b Correct and prevent trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets, including through the parallel elimination of all forms of agricultural export subsidies and all export measures with equivalent effect, in accordance with the mandate of the Doha Development Round
3.1 By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
3.7 By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes
3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
3.b Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all
3.c Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States
3.d Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks
4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
4.2 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education
4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
4.6 By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy
4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
4.a Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all
6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.2 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations
6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes
6.a By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
7.b By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support
8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
8.6 By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
8.9 By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
11.a Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
11.b By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
12.b Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
15.9 By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts
15.a Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems
15.b Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation
16.4 By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime
16.5 Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
16.b Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development
17.5 Adopt and implement investment promotion regimes for least developed countries
17.7 Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed
17.14 Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development
17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, publicprivate and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships
17.19 By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries

Question 4: Implementation Date
Has the initiative been implemented for two or more years Yes
Please provide date of implemenation (dd/MM/yyyy) 02 Jan 2013

Question 5: Partners
Has the United Nations or any UN agencies been involved in this initiative? No
Which UN agency was involved? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
Please provide details

Question 6: Supporting documentation
Will you be able to provide supporting documentation for your initiative? Yes

Question 7: UNPSA Awards
Has the initiative already won a UNPS Award? No

Question 8: Other Awards
Has the initiative won other Public Service Awards? No

Question 9: How did you learn about UNPSA?
How did you learn about UNPSA? thru the invitation from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Agusan del Sur, Provincial Office.

Question 10: Validation Consent
I give consent to contact relevant persons and entities to inquire about the initiative for validation purpose. No

Question 1: About the Initiative

Is this a public sector initiative? Yes

Question 2: Categories
Is the initiative relevant to one of the UNPSA categories? Reaching the poorest and most vulnerable through inclusive services and partnerships
UNPSACriteria
2017.1.1 Introduces an idea, policy, practice or structure that is distinctively new, innovative and unique in the context of a given country or region, for reaching the poorest and most vulnerable and ensuring that they make progress towards the SDGs
2017.1.2 Increases the access of the poorest and most vulnerable people to quality and affordable public services. This can be done notably by addressing the obstacles that hinder their access to public services such as geography, income or other social or economic factors, security issues, care burden, mobility, discrimination related to sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity and other factors depending on the country or regional context. This can also include introducing new approaches to delivering services or claiming rights and obtaining benefits, so that the poorest and most vulnerable can access those more easily.
2017.1.3 Promote partnerships to mobilize and share knowledge, skills, technologies and financial resources to support the poorest and most vulnerable
2017.1.4 Encourage and promote effective partnerships between public, private and civil society organizations to deliver public services or respond to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. Those can be based on experience and strategies that can empower the poorest and most vulnerable to reach the SDGs in various areas
2017.1.5 Creates mechanisms to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable (and those who represent or assist them) can easily obtain information about public services -notably services related to the SDGs- , related decisions and approaches, as well as about their own rights and entitlements.
2017.1.6 Creates mechanisms that can help the poorest and most vulnerable (and those representing or assisting them) to hold the government accountable on the delivery of public services. This may include mechanisms allowing them to provide feedback on the relevance, quality and cost of public services; report any wrongdoing; initiate investigations; file complaints or request compensation where relevant.
2017.1.7 Introduces mechanisms that ensure that public officials are informed about the special needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, trained and equipped to meet them and held accountable when these needs are ignored or when the rights of the poorest and most vulnerable people are not protected.

Question 3: Implementation Date

Has the initiative been implemented for two or more years Yes
Please provide date of implemenation (dd/MM/yyyy) 02 Jan 2013

Question 4: Partners/Stakeholders

Has the United Nations or any UN agencies been involved in this initiative? No
Which UN agency was involved? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
Please provide details

Question 5: Required Supplemental Documents

Will you be able to provide supporting documentation for your initiative? Yes

Question 6: UNPSA Awards

Has the initiative already won a UNPS Award? No

Question 7: Other Awards

Has the initiative won other Public Service Awards? No

Question 8: Sustainable Development Goals
Is the initiative relevant to any of the 17 SDG(s)? Yes
If you answered yes above, please specify which SDG is the most relevant to the initiative. (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Goal 3: Good Health
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Which target(s) within the SDGs specified above is the initiative relevant to? (hold Ctrl to select multiple)
1.1 By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day
1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
1.5 By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters
1.a Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions
2.1 By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round
2.2 By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons
2.3 By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment
2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality
2.5 By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels, and promote access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, as internationally agreed
2.a Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries
2.b Correct and prevent trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets, including through the parallel elimination of all forms of agricultural export subsidies and all export measures with equivalent effect, in accordance with the mandate of the Doha Development Round
3.1 By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
3.7 By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes
3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
3.b Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all
3.c Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States
3.d Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks
4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
4.2 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education
4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
4.6 By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy
4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
4.a Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all
6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.2 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations
6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes
6.a By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
7.b By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support
8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
8.6 By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
8.9 By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
11.a Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
11.b By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
12.b Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
15.9 By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts
15.a Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems
15.b Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation
16.4 By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime
16.5 Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
16.b Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development
17.5 Adopt and implement investment promotion regimes for least developed countries
17.7 Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed
17.14 Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development
17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, publicprivate and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships
17.19 By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries

Question 9: Validation Consent

Do you have any objections to us inquiring about the initiative for validation purposes? No

How did you know about UNPSA?

How did you know about UNPSA? thru the invitation from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Agusan del Sur, Provincial Office.

Nomination form

Questions/Answers

Question 1

Please provide a brief summary of the initiative including the problems/challenges it addressed and the solutions that the initiative introduced (300 words maximum)
Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) Convergence Program is a banner program of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), under the leadership of Gov. Adolph Edward G. Plaza, in its fight against poverty. It is a strategy to address the high concentration of poverty incidence in the upland communities of the province where ironically much of the Province's precious resources are located. This program is anchored towards the province's mission- to improve the quality of life of the Agusanons especially the poor Indigenous Peoples (IPs). As of present, the province is experiencing high poverty incidence, poor management of upland-based resources, poor road condition in the uplands and unstable peace and order thus; this program is developed to help the province create/increase income for upland communities specifically for those who make a living out of farming, protection and conservation of the natural resources by providing alternative sources of livelihood for people and empowerment of individuals and communities for sustainability through education, Service Delivery Network (SDN) for health services, risk reduction, capacity development, technology and skills transfer. In such cases, agri-forestry is a tried and tested answer to this situation. To address these challenges, the program seeks for social preparation and institutional development, livelihood, livestock and fishery projects, environmental protection and conservation, enterprise development, health and social programs, education & skills development and infrastructure. With these components, USAD is confident addressing poverty through development works in the uplands and protecting and preserving natural resources therein possible and beneficial for both the communities and environment. USAD interventions placed premium on social preparation an enabling strategy to increase the absorptive capacity of individuals and communities for development. Livelihood projects are entry point of USAD programs providing the initial venue for people empowerment. Convergence of programs, projects and activities (PPAs) on target areas allowed infrastructure, social support programs/projects and other non-livelihood PPAs to compliment each other for a more comprehensive intervention and a development framework which cuts across to all targeted areas.
a. What are the overall objectives of the initiative?
Please describe the overall objectives of the initiative (200 words maximum)
The objectives of the said program are the following: 1. Create/increase income for upland communities specifically for those who make a living out of farming; 2. The protection and conservation of the natural resources by providing alternative sources of livelihood for people; and 3. Empowerment of individuals and communities for sustainability through education, risk reduction, Service Delivery Network (SDN) for health services, capacity development and transfer of skills and knowledge.
b. How does the initiative fit within the selected category?
Please describe how the initiative is linked to the criteria of the category (200 words maximum)
USAD Convergence Program's main objective is to reach the poorest and most vulnerable through inclusive services and partnerships. Through the program/s priority commodities for livelihood projects and its priority and support crops, the Farmer Enrollees (Fes) wer able to acquire livelihood as an entry point for their own empowerment. Also, it promotes shared accountability and transparency between and among the provincial government and its partnering agencies. It strengthens partnerships to mobilize and share knowledge, skills and technologies and financial resources to support the poorest and most vulnerable especially the poor Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Question 2

The initiative should improve people’s lives, notably by enhancing the contribution of public services to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the SDGs
a. Please explain how the initiative improves the delivery of public services (200 words maximum)
USAD Program have took upon itself to infuse a philosophy in its development work- utilizing material resources to first develop the people instead of using people for material development. In short, USAD empowers individuals and communities for sustainability and real development. Also, to ensure the output and impact of the said program, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities are regularly conducted to see to it that the progress are assessed and monitored. With this philosophy, USAD Program is confident addressing poverty through development works in the uplands and protecting and preserving natural resources therein possible and beneficial for both the communities and environment thus; providing continuing production, marketing support to the Farmer Enrollees.

Question 3

The initiative must impact positively a group or groups of the population (i.e. children, women, elderly, people with disability, etc) and address a significant issue of public service delivery within the context of a given country or region.
a. Please explain how the initiative has addressed a significant issue related to the delivery of public services (200 words maximum)
USAD Program, being a convergence program addresses a lot of challenges that are existing in the Province of Agusan del Sur since it cuts across all targeted areas (education, health, sanitation, livelihood, economic enterprise, peace and order). Convergence of programs, projects and activities (PPAs) on target areas allowed infrastructure, social support programs/projects and other non-livelihood PPAs to compliment each other for a more comprehensive intervention. To wrap it up, USAD Convergence Program was able to tap the following national agencies: Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for seedlings distribution, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the sponsorship during capacity development programs of Farmer Enrolless (FEs), Department of Agriculture (DA) as main partner in the distribution of pre and post harvest facilities and planting materials (ginger, vegetable seeds, rubber, cacao and other high value crops), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the sponsorship of skill courses for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), training courses for the Farmer Enrollees and providing facilities and equipment during the launching.Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for conservation and environmental protection activities of the program, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for the conduct of subdivision survey, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for extending and delivering their services to the upland communities so that the Farmer Enrollees (FEs) will not be having a hard time to go to the office to acquire NBI Clearance, PhilHealth, Inc. for facilitating enrollment for health care because the program strongly ensures that the Farmer Enrollees should have a health insurance, Social Security System (SSS) for membership enrollment of FEs), Philippine Army for conducting needs assessment survey to the community and for extending their services to the upland areas thru outreach activities such as assistance to medical and dental missions, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for livelihood distributions on fishery concerns, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the Distribution of Financial Assistance, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) enrollment, and providing Early Childhood and Care Devleopment (ECCD) Facilities and the Department of Health (DOH) for the distribution of sanitary toilets to upland areas.
b. Please explain how the initiative has impacted positively a group or groups of the population within the context of your country or region (200 words maximum)
Since it is a convergence approach, the key players of the program ensure that Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) of the national and local agencies will be aligned in the needs of the community and will be implemented in the enrolled USAD barangays and most importantly we partner with the communities. The following are its program components- social preparation and institutional development; livelihood , livestock and fishery projects; environmental protection and conservation; enterprise development; health and social programs, education and skills development and infrastructure. Hence, the program have been targeting barangays considering households/ families with high poverty incidence and vulnerable to peace and order conflict. Indeed, the program has impacted positively a lot of beneficiaries through the different livelihodd productions. In 2013, Cacao Production in Magkiangkang, Bayugan City thru Magkiangkang Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAMPEC) was able to conduct tableya processing thereby, increasing the income of the cooperative to Php 100,000/month. Ginger Production was also able to produce Ginger Tea thru the effort of Kioya Abaca Farmer's Association. Further, Cutflower Enrollees with 58 Farmer Enrollees was able to harvest and sell flowers thereby increasing their monthly income into Php 2,000/month. Banana Production has also 286 farmer enrollees with an income of Php 2,000/month. Meanwhile, the program's water system was able to serve 4,166 Households with access to safe water. In Health Sanitation, there are also 2,556 Households province-wide were benefitted in the Botica ng Barangay (BnB) thru very much affordable medicines. The Botica was intentionally placed into Geogpraphically Isolated and Depressed Areas (GIDA) so that beneficiaries will have an easy access of low cost but high quality medicines. 300 Households were able also benefitted thru the installation of Barangay Health Centers. This effort seeks to conduct consultative and preventive measures against diseases as part of the Service Delivery Network (SDN) for health services of the said program. Moreover, 400 Households were able to have their own sanitary toilets. The program's Education Intervention was able to cater 329 Households by providing and installing them 22 Early Childhood and Care Development (ECCD) facilities/units. As to peace and order, the program was able to change the lives of the residents of barangays Kauswagan, Bugdangan and Ferdinand. These barangays were considered as ghost barangays years before the USAD Convergence Program was implemented due to its unstable peace and order status. Thru this initiatives, residents felt that the government is for people, of the people and by the people.As of today,, these barangays are already considered as local trading centers of the Municipal Government of Loreto with bananas as there main staple. The province's Indigenous Peples (IPs) were able to change their behaviors and attitude since they have been serve by the program. Indeed, the IPs' dole-out mentality was annihilated. The provincial government was able to gain its people's trust and confidence as they realized that the provincial government aims to change and improve the lives of the many especially the disadvantaged.

Question 4

The initiative must present an innovative idea, a distinctively new approach, or a unique policy or approach implemented in order to realize the SDGs in the context of a given country or region.
a. Please explain in which way the initiative is innovative in the context of your country or region (200 words maximum)
The Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development (USAD) Convergence Program was embodied in the 2008-2017 and 2018-2027 Provincial Development Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) which was also anchored to the Philippines' Millennium Development Goals under the administration of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte. Also, it was embodied to the 2014-2016 and 2017-2019 Executive and Legislative Agenda of the Province as the provincial government's focus is on reducing poverty incidence in the upland areas. Hence, based on the latest Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Result, poverty incidence is more prevalent in the upland areas. Since it is a convergence approach, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) under the leadership of Gov. Adolph Edward G. Plaza, ensures that Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) of the national and local agencies will be aligned in the needs of the community and will be implemented in the enrolled USAD barangays.

Question 4b

b. Please describe if the innovation is original or if it is an adaptation from other contexts (If it is known)? (200 words maximum)
The cycle of the USAD Program is what makes it unique than any other programs developed and implemented in the country. The identification process of the barangays and municipalities to be included in the list of USAD Beneficiaries/Enrollees were taken from the Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Data. Hence, it is stressed out that there was no political intervention that has ever happened from the planning to the implementation phase. During the Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA), it was ensured that the enrollees within the community were the ones to identify their needs and to rank as to what extent or level is the importance of that certain need. After the consolidation of the PRA results, the USAD Teams which composed of the different employees coming from the different departments of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) immersed themselves in to the USAD Barangays for site validation and to finalize the list of USAD Farmer Enrollees (FEs). Implementation process will then follow clothed by regular Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities to ensure the progress of the said progam. The Team Members will then organize forums, acitivties and conduct networking for expected buyers in preparation for the marketing phase of the program. It is noted that the institutionalization of the creation of USAD Team Members is thru an Executive Order issued by the Local Chief Executive of the province and municipalities. The Team Members were volunteers coming from the different departments of the provincial government. Also, there is a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the provincial government and municipalities to ensure sustainability of the project thru counter-parting scheme. Further, the Governor with the mayors and other local officials are conducting deep-dive validations to the barangays to ensure that the programs, projects and activities are properly implemented. USAD Convergence Program, as a method of motivating its Farmer Enrollees holds an annual Awarding Ceremony for the Most Outstanding Farmer Enrollee of the Year per Commodity. The awardee will receive a cash prize and additional project in the following year.

Question 4c

c. What resources (i.e. financial, human , material or other resources, etc) were used to implement the initiative? (200 words maximum)
The following are the resources that were used to implement the USAD Convergence Program: 1. Human Resources - USAD Team Members coming from the different departments of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) 2. Financial- Included in the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) to ensure that budgetary requirements 3. Materials- Multi-function tiller/cultivator, Corn Mill, Corn Sheller, Hand Tractor, Open Source Pump, Mechanical Flat Bed Dryer, Pump Irrigation System Open Source (PISOS), Greenhouse Dryer & Cacao Fermentation Box, Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) and Multi- Purpose Open Storage (MPOS), Seedlings, Fertilizers, Vegetables Seeds, Pruning Shears, Sprayers 4. Office Supplies and Equipment- Vehicles, motorcycles, desktop and laptop computers, tablets for geo-tagging and camera

Question 5

The initiative should be adaptable to other contexts (e.g. other cities, countries or regions). There may already be evidence that it has inspired similar innovations in other public-sector institutions within a given country, region or at the global level.
a. Has the initiative been transferred to other contexts?
Yes
The said program has been adopted by the Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) since the provincial government and the MLGUs have undergone Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to ensure sustainability and counter-parting scheme of the said program.

Question 6

The initiative should be able to be sustained over a significant period of time.
a. Please describe whether and how the initiative is sustainable (covering the social, economic and environmental aspects) (300 words maximum)
USAD Coordinating Unit is a unit under the Provincial Governor's Office (PGO) of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS). The said unit is placed intentionally under its mother office, PGO, to ensure that the programs, projects and activities (PPAs) are properly implemented. Moreover, the program seeks to closely monitor its PPAs and previously implemented PPAs for monitoring and evaluation purposes of the said initiative. The program also ensure that activities are well-implemented during the given timeline. It is for this reason that the program can easily identify the timeframe for its marketing phase aside from the regularly conducted Quarterly Monitoring activity. Further, the Barangay Agricultural Workers (BAWs) are also given honorarium as incentive as they do direct supervision with the USAD Farmer Enrollees (FEs). Strengthening partnership and collaboration with partnering agencies plays a vital role in the sustainability of the program since they do a lot of sponsorship in terms of the distribution of resources of the program. Annually, lobbying of counter-parting scheme between the provincial and municipal government is strengthened through the Administrator's Club and League of Municipal Mayors. The provincial government has also ensured the security of budgetary requirement for the said program thru inclusion of the said initiative to the unit's Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for proper and reasonable budget allocation.
b. Please describe whether and how the initiative is sustainable in terms of durability in time (300 words maximum)
The said program is indeed sustainable in terms of time durability since it focuses not only of what outputs or accomplishments the said program could bring, but more importantly, with what would be its impact with the lives of the USAD Farmer Enrollees. The crops are high quality and harvestable within 6-7 years. While waiting for the main crops to be harvested, farmer enrollees are also given seedlings, fingerlings and vegetables seeds as their additional livelihood. Further, the strengthened Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Project of the program is essential to its planning and implementation phase that is why the provincial government is doing a continuous enhancement of the M&E Tools that were developed. Financial resources and human resources are highly committed to provide sustainability on the said program since it is a banner program of the province in poverty incidence reduction all embedded with an institutionalized policy issued by the province's Local Chief Executive.

Question 7

The initiative should have gone through a formal evaluation, showing some evidence of impact on improving people’s lives.
a. Has the initiative been formally evaluated?
Yes
If yes, please describe how the initiative was evaluated? (200 words maximum)
The program was evaluated through rigid Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Activity which is conducted quarterly. The Unit also prepares a Monthly Accomplishment Report and Annual Accomplishment Report which will be submitted every March to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Commission on Audit (COA). Moreover, the program has a Logical Framework and M & E Matrix Plan which serves as a tracking tool and road map of the Monitoring and Evaluation activity of the program.
b. Please describe the outcome of the evaluation of the impact of the initiative (200 words maximum)
Indeed, the Farmer Enrollees has their own share of success stories. To summarize, the program was able to change the way of life of the Farmer Enrollees and their perspective to the provincial government. The government of the people, by the people and of the people has been prevailed thru the spirit of solidarity among Agusanons all for the benefit of the disadvantaged and the poor. Agri-forestry of the province was utilized to its maximum level being the main strategy in eradicating poverty of the province. The program's priority crops and support crops, fishery, livestock and poultry are well-utilized thru close monitoring and evaluation. It is for this reason that the provincial government is eventually winning the trust, confidence and the hearts of its people since they have seen the true objective of the program from identification, planning and implementation process. With this, danger zone areas in terms of peace and security are slowly inhibiting. Ghost barangays are now considered saw trading centers of their own municipalities flaunting their own staples. These outcomes are the reasons why USAD Convergence Program is confident addressing poverty through development works in the uplands and protecting and preserving natural resources therein possible and beneficial for both the communities and the environment.
c. Please describe the indicators that were used (200 words maximum)
The following are the indicators used during the Monitoring and Evaluation of the program 1. Pre and Post harvest Facilities (PPHF) Intervention- No. of Units and No. of Farmer Enrollees benefitted 2. Livelihood Projects- No. of hectares and No. of Farmer Enrollees 3. Organized Farmers Organizations- No. of Barangays, No. of DOLE Registered, No. of Enrollees for Registration, No. of Registration waiting for Approval, No. of Documents for Review at Municipal Agriculture's Office (MAO) Level, No. of Associations 4. Water System Intervention- No. of Units and No. of Households benefitted 5. Health and Sanitation Intervention- No. of Units and No. of Households benefitted 6. Education Intervention- No. of units, No. of enrollees, Total No. of Households benefitted

Question 8

The initiative must demonstrate that it has engaged various actors such as from other institutions, civil society, or the private sector, when possible.
a. The 2030 Development Agenda puts emphasis on collaboration, engagement, coordination, partnerships, and inclusion. Please describe what stakeholders were engaged in designing, implementing and evaluating the initiative. Please also highlight their roles and contributions (300 words maximum)
USAD Convergence Program was able to tap the following national agencies: Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for seedlings distribution, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the sponsorship during capacity development programs of Farmer Enrolless (FEs), Department of Agriculture (DA) as main partner in the distribution of pre and post harvest facilities and planting materials (ginger, vegetable seeds, rubber, cacao and other high value crops), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the sponsorship of skill courses for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), training courses for the Farmer Enrollees and providing facilities and equipment during the launching.Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for conservation and environmental protection activities of the program, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for the conduct of subdivision survey, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for extending and delivering their services to the upland communities so that the Farmer Enrollees (FEs) will not be having a hard time to go to the office to acquire NBI Clearance, PhilHealth, Inc. for facilitating enrollment for health care because the program strongly ensures that the Farmer Enrollees should have a health insurance, Social Security System (SSS) for membership enrollment of (FEs), Philippine Army for conducting needs assessment survey to the community and for extending their services to the upland areas thru outreach activities such as assistance to medical and dental missions, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for livelihood distributions on fishery concerns, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the Distribution of Financial Assistance, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) enrollment, and providing Early Childhood and Care Devleopment (ECCD) Facilities and the Department of Health (DOH) for the distribution of sanitary toilets to upland areas.

Question 9

a. Please describe the key lessons learned, and any view you have on how to further improve the initiative (200 words maximum)
For five (5) years of implementation, the program was able to gain some lessons that would surely improve and strengthen its implementation phase. Firstly, the culture of the community must be valued. Indigenous Peoples of Agusan del Sur has their own heritage and culture. In this case, implementers should immerse themselves to their practices, customs and beliefs in order to win their trust, confidence and hearts. Second, Farmer Enrollees should be encouraged to get their work done and to develop their sense of ownership. It must be inculcated into their minds that what the government cannot do anything should they will not be able to help themselves in improving their lives. The government can only do so much and they should be the captains of their own ships on how to uplift their lives into poverty threshold. Further, the strong support of the Local Chief Executive (LCE) and local legislators plays a vital role in the sustainability of the program since they are the main managers in the implementation phase. The relationship, collaboration and networking between and among Municipal and Barangay Local Government Unit Officials should also be strengthened since it is their duty to conduct direct supervision of the program. Lastly, if you have the heart of a champion, you always go out of your comfort zone and think out of the box because taking risks and decision making are part in achieving success of every program.

Return to list

Please wait...