I. Background
1. This Report documents the outputs of the Credit /IGP Consultant pursuant to her Service Contract (SO) 94/014 covering the period 01 June to SC, September 1994.
II. Terms of Reference
2. This Consultancy Report therefore summarizes the
project proposals identified appraised prepared for 10 women's groups in Pangasinan for credit extension by the Land Bank. It highlights new and larger-scale IGPs identified for women associations and reports on the analysis of the use of loan funds. Finally, conclusion and recommendations were drawn on project implementation problems, issues and concerns in so far as they are relevant to the Consultant's scope of work as defined in the Terms of Reference.
III. Identification and Appraisal of IGPs
3. As of 30 September 1994, 32 IGPs categorized into 10 project types have been identified and corresponding project appraisal reports/proposals were prepared based on the results of the feasibility studies. The IGPs proponents consist of 10 women's groups in seven coastal barangays with a total membership of 288 participants.
4. A total of P 2,511,768.00 is required to implement the 32 IGPs. The loan component amounts to P 1,754,786.00 which is 70 % of the total investment, while P 756,982.00 or 30 % will be provided by the participants as their equity contribution to their projects.
IV. New IGPs for Development
5. This section focuses on new and larger-scale IGPs that contribute significantly to value-added formation. These IGPs will involve investments in productive assets in addition to working capital in order to increase income and create employment opportunities in the fishing communities. These proposed IGPs are presented in the form of concept plans or financial feasibility studies.
V Development of Transportt and Marketing Services
6. The provision of transport and marketing services as a project by itself or a support service to program assisted IGPs is deemed essential for the attainment of sustainable level of operations. A concept plan with implementing strategies and guidelines is presented for further refinement during the expansion/extension phase of the project.
VI Analysis of Loan Fund Use
7. In general, the loan funds were utilized by the women's groups for the intended purpose, i.e., as working capital for operating their chosen IGPs. There are, however, a few cases of fund diversion, three of which are highlighted in the Case Studies (Append): 2). Recommendations were also developed to avert such mal-practices in the future.
VII. Conclusion and Recommendations
8. In general, the credit program as a component of PHI/89/P16 is an effective strategy for providing women in selected fishing communities in Pangasinan an opportunity to engage in their chosen micro-enterprises.
9. Endorsement of the project extension/expansion is merited. Recommendations along this direction are as follows:
a) Improvement of project planning/appraisal process;
b) Emphasis and phasing of project extension expansion;
c) Redefinition of acceptable level of household income to reflect the effect of inflation as a criteria for project beneficiaries,
d) Funding process/terms and conditions;
e) Strategies to ensure sustainability of assisted IGPs after 1994;
f) Other lending channels; and
g) Strengthening of project management and administration.
