-'~:::.:.. d = t = : o : \ 1 ' . - = = = .~ .. ··:::~:::~====""===~ === == -·- - -,.,.===.:::::--==n=::!i====~~~= ------~--~=--r--=== --, NEDA has issued set of guidelines38 on project evaluation to ensure their technical, financial, economic and social merits. The guidelines are organized into eight (8) sections. Sections II to VI cover the procedures in undertaking the financial, economic, technical, social and institutional evaluation of programs and projects. Section VII provides the steps in undertaking a sensitivity analysis of the selected parameters. The evaluation of technical assistance components of projects is detailed in Section VIII. Section IX describes the procedures in conducting public consultations on programs and projects, and provides that public consultations regarding programs/projects will only be undertaken after they have been determined to be economically viable, in order to save on time and resources. As per the NEDA guidelines, The following aspects may be considered in the qualitative assessment of the social benefits of the program/project: • Income Distribution. The extent to which the income of the poorest sector of the rural population is improved as a result of the program/project may be quantified. Reference must be made to the relative improvement in comparison with other groups in the country. • Employment. The extent to which the program/project reduces underemployment may be assessed. This may be quantified in terms of work years created by the program/project, with distinction made between permanent employment and employment during the investment or construction phase. The number of jobs created may be compared with the expected increase in the labor force of the program/project area. • Access to Land. If the program/project includes a land settlement or land reform element, the distribution of land rights with and without the program/project should be demonstrated. • Internal Migration. It may be useful to note the possible effect of the program/project on ruralurban migration. • Nutrition and Health. If the program/project is located in an area where serious nutrition or health problems exist, or if the program/project is directed toward groups with nutrition and health deficiencies, the expected effects of the program/project on these problems might be mentioned. In some cases, the effect on nutrition may be quantified in the daily intake of calories in protein that is expected as a result of the program/project. • Other Indicators of the Quality of Life. Some programs/projects may have a significant effect on the quality of rural life through improvements in access to domestic water supplies, electricity, schools, and other facilities. These may be mentioned and the quantities of the new amenities noted. It would appear that the NEDA guidelines are designed after taking into account human rights standards. 38 Source: http://www.neda gov.phlwp-content/uploads/20 13/10/ICC-Project-Evaluation-Procedures-and-Guidelines-asof-24-June-2004.pdf (accessed Oct. 28, 2016) 15 ~-=·-"'-''==-~-~"-'="'-~