German gov’t allots P3M for small-scale projects in PH

The German government has allotted P3 million this year for small-scale development projects in the Philippines, higher by about half than the P2.1 million earmarked in 2011 for similar initiatives.

The German Embassy said in a statement Monday that under its small-scale projects scheme, Germany’s Federal Foreign Ministry—through the embassy here—funds select local initiatives that are implemented through nonprofit entities.

“Through quick and direct assistance, the projects aim to directly improve the quality of life among the poorest sectors of society,” the embassy said.

“To qualify for funding, a project should include a sizeable number of beneficiaries, partnership contribution from the proponent organization, be completed within the same year, and thereafter sustained by the proponent organization,” it added.

Projects are being evaluated for possible funding this year, particularly those related to health and sanitation, education, infrastructure and income generation.

In 2011 Germany provided funds for six projects based across the Philippines and worth a total of P2.1 million.

These include the construction of a water supply system and service facility building for food processing, road concreting, purchase of carabao for breeding, and vermicomposting.

Last year a team of German consultants recommended that the European Union monitor its anti-poverty aid activities in the Philippines to ensure that these would help address “structures perpetuating poverty.”

The team, which evaluated EU development programs in the Philippines, noted that while such programs have a positive effect, “the overall picture of poverty in the country remains bleak” and that current poverty statistics show no improvement—considering that half of Filipino households consider themselves as “poor.”

Even then, the team’s overall assessment of the EU aid strategy in the Philippines—made through the European Commission (EC)—is “positive.”

In an 85-page report, the team recommended for the EC to ensure that projects aiming at reducing poverty should carefully address who they are actually reaching and with what effect.

Another suggestion was for the EC to devise well-elaborated systems that are able to regularly monitor progress in terms of poverty reduction.

The EU has earmarked 69 million euros, or about P4.1 billion, for its development cooperation with the Philippines from 2011 to 2013.