|
Improving Governance to Reduce Poverty: Access to Justice for the Poor |
 |
 |
 |
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Wednesday, 10 June 2009 07:46 |
A final evaluation on the Access to Justice for the Poor Project (A2J)was commissioned by the European Commission (EC) to analyze whether the governance project has contributed to the general goal of improving the governance situation in the country, identify lessons learned during project implementation and recommend ways of integrating these into future EC interventions. The evaluation was conducted by Mr. Chris Ashton and Dr. Francisco Magno.
The evaluation team reported positive findings as seen in the enthusiasm of stakeholders on the project. Likewise, they noted that objectives and expected outcomes were met from barangay level to provincial level.
According to the evaluation team, “The A2J Project developed a model for collaborative governance that provides access to justice for the poor. The first feature of this model is the use of a decentralization strategy exemplified in the delivery of legal information through the municipal courts (MCIOs) and the provision of local justice remedies though the barangays (Lupong Tagapamayapa). The second feature is the cooperation of independent branches of government – the judicial branch (Supreme Court) and the executive branch (DILG, DOJ, DSWD). The third feature is the collaboration between national agencies and local government units (provinces, municipalities, and barangays). The fourth is the participation of civil society, especially the Women’s and Children’s Rights Advocates (WCRAs) and the Alternative Law Groups (ALG) in policy advocacy. The fifth feature is the formation of the Access to Justice Network (AJN) at various levels of governance to provide coordination and synergy to these multiple efforts.”
The team also attributed the success of project implementation to the DSWD. They reported that it was a good decision to partner with the DSWD as the project holder after the Supreme Court decided that it cannot function as the executing authority for the project. “The chance for the success of a project is always better when the main partner agency is highly credible and has a high level of commitment to pursue the objectives of the partnership”, they stated.
These reported successes of the project especially in proving that collaborative and decentralized approaches to the governance of justice can work, have encouraged the Commission to continue to support the 2nd phase of the project. In the proposed Phase 2 of the project, particular components of the A2J project shall be up-scaled to other poor provinces. Other areas of intervention may also be included such as the Barangay Justice System, Juvenile Justice, Anti-trafficking, and Indigenous Peoples (claims of land). 8 June 2009-
|
|
|
AJPP pilot areas welcome AJN launching |
|
|
|
|
The Access to Justice Network (AJN) under the Access to Justice for the Poor Project (AJPP) will be launched in five pilot provinces starting in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro on July 16-17.
Other subsequent launchings will be held at Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat on July21-22, Tubod, Lanao del Norte on July 24-25, Pili, Camarines Sur on July 28-29, and Roxas City, Capiz on July31-August 1, 2008.
On the first day of the launch, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Academy (LGA) will lead the strategic planning of provincial AJN. Participants of the planning sessions will include the DILG Provincial Director, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, PNP Director, DSWD and DILG Regional Focal Persons, PAO Lawyers and Prosecutors, and Judges or Court Personnel.
The second day will start with a parade and motorcade all over the city. The main program will consist of welcome remarks by the Governor, opening remarks by the Project Director, a presentation of the AJPP history, presentation of the AJPP website and induction of Network members. The AJN members will lead in the symbolic offering of plans while the Provincial Governor will lead the Ritual of Acceptance/Commitment. The AJP Project Management Office will award plagues of recognition to local chief executives. A press conference will cap the launching ceremonies. |
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 2 |
