A study is pushing for key recommendations, including those focusing on operational improvements, for strengthening the implementation of joint programming which has emerged as a strategic approach to enhancing the delivery and impact of social protection and economic inclusion programs.
In a Policy Note, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow Jose Ramon Albert, BRAC Philippines Research Associate Frances Genevieve Genio, and BRAC Philippines Research Assistant Jan Joy Louise Crismo said joint programming offers significant potential for enhancing the impact of social protection and education interventions in the country.
‘“However, realizing this potential requires addressing current implementation challenges through coordinated action at the national and local levels. By strengthening coordination mechanisms, building local capacity, and improving monitoring systems, the government can enhance the effectiveness of its interventions and better serve vulnerable populations,” they said.
Albert, Genio and Crismo said short-term priorities should focus on operational improvements through development of standardized protocols for inter-agency data sharing, and creation of clear guidelines for joint procurement processes.
The establishment of unified communication channels across agencies and the implementation of rapid feedback mechanisms for program adjustments are also important, they said.
The authors said medium-term reforms should address structural challenges through the creation of permanent coordination structures with clear authority, the development of integrated data management systems, implementation of joint performance metrics that incentivize collaboration, and enhancement of local government unit capacity through sustained technical assistance.
“‘Long-term reforms must focus on fundamental institutional transformations,” they said. “The government should prioritize developing sustainable funding mechanisms that combine regular budget allocations with innovative financing approaches, including exploring public-private partnerships and results-based financing models.”
Albert, Genio and Crismo said the Program Convergence Budgeting framework should be further strengthened to ensure dedicated funding streams for joint initiatives that transcend individual agency budgets.
“Permanent coordination structures must be established through legislation rather than executive orders to ensure continuity across administrations. These structures need sufficient authority for cross-agency resource allocation and implementation decisions, supported by formal mechanisms for conflict resolution and decision-making,” they added.
