ASFP, DSWD meet in Zambo to review

World Bank funded projects in ARMM

ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP) Project Manager Nasser Sinarimbo (sitting extreme right) convenes his staff and their DSWD implementing project partners from provinces of Lanao del Sur, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi at Garden Orchid hotel in Zamboanga City. HG

Officials and project staffs of the ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP)and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) ARMM gathered here for a three-day catch up-planning workshop on Program Implementation Agreement No. 009-AF.

ASFP Project Manager Nasser Sinarimbo convened their project implementing partners from provinces of Lanao del Sur, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi headed by DSWD Secretary Hja. Pombaen Karon-Kader of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

"We are meeting our main project implementing partners to review the implementation plan of additional financing for ASFP under the Community Development Assistance (CDA) and to also make sure that the projects are implemented as per planned and completed on time," said Sinarimbo.

The ASFP has been carrying out community-based infrastructure projects and services through its two components, the CDA and the Institutional Strengthening and Governance (ISG).

"These are community-based infra like warehouses, dryers, water system, health stations and many others being implemented in partnership with DSWD ARMM Secretary Kader, where those targeted villages based on criteria and through the people's organization, are given the opportunities to implement the projects," he added.

To date, the project manager further said "Right now, ASFP is covering 240 barangays plus the 213 under the Phase 2... we also had project staffs recruitment in Lanao del Sur after the qualifying examination and we have more examinations for Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi."

Over a year ago, the World Bank approved a $30 million additional financing package for peace and development projects aimed at enhancing access to social and economic infrastructure and livelihood opportunities, improve local governance and institutional capacity in ARMM.

In the additional financing, five hundred ninety-six (596) barangays in 108 municipalities of ARMM such as Maguindanao, Lanao Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan shall be provided assistance which will be equitably allocated based on population.

ASFP has been consistently acknowledged by the World Bank for performing well and adopting the policies and guidelines set forth in project implementation. Its project life will be extended to May 31, 2013, with the additional financing. HG