Economic

Sound identification and valuation of costs and benefits in the economic analysis can provide more realistic economic internal rates of return (EIRRs) to indicate a more accurate state of project viability. The economic analysis in the RRP and PCR underestimated the value of the project outputs, particularly the economic benefits of the solid waste management component, which led to a low EIRR. Willingness-to-pay $2 per month for solid waste removal seems too low and unreasonable considering the substantial health and environmental benefits that such removal likely provides.

Understanding changing market conditions during implementation and undertaking timely adjustments in the design in response to the conditions help maintain the relevance of the project and facilitate delivery of outputs within the planned timeline. The minor changes made in the design were instrumental in accelerating the pace of the project after a slow start and in delivering the expected project outputs.

Decisions to invest further in concentrated solar thermal power projects, which are capital intensive, critically depends on the feasibility of the location and assessment of environmental risks, as well as the comprehensive and well-justified identification, quantification, and valuation of economic benefits.

A well-designed project performance management system is useful in facilitating the identification, quantification, and valuation of economic benefits.

Building systems and organizational capacity is critical to the success of social assistance programs. Moving beyond a pilot to a national CCTprogram requires establishing project management structures, robust systems for information management, accountability mechanisms, and significant human resources. Despite impressive growth, the Philippines' CCT program faced challenges as it expanded nationally.

Support from experts in safeguards, financial management, procurement, and other aspects was necessary to implement this first RBL in the country. Although the overall fiduciary system of the program was sound, some schools had weak capacity and needed extra support during program implementation.

Strong community support is better assured through collaboration with local groups. Even in baghs (subdistricts) where shelters were not constructed, community support was strong because of the BNGs established by the project. Community ties nurtured through the BNGs have resulted in knowledge exchange, responsibility-sharing among the herders, and efficient use of BNG revolving funds and disaster risk reduction equipment and tools. BNGs organized various activities that benefited the whole community, such as road repairs and fence-building new fences.

Small-scale infrastructure can have an added value. The construction of livestock shelters and wells increased agricultural production and reduced livestock losses for many households. The results of this activity inspired other BNGs to build disaster-resilient infrastructure using their own resources. During the project completion review fieldwork missions, local residents expressed gratitude and gave positive feedback on the benefits they received.