TESDA CIRCULAR

Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 1 of 11 pages

Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number 0'1'1, series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately

In the interest of the service and in line with the implementation of the Barangay Development
Program (BDP) in the conflict affected and conflict vulnerable barangays, this Implementing
Guidelines is being issued to ensure that better understanding in the concept, processes, and
practices of barangay development work and for the guidance of all concerned in the implementation
of strategies and process on convergence work and value-chain programming.

I. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:

The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) is one of the 12 Line of
Efforts (LOEs) under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-
ELCAC) established under Executive Order No. 70 series of 2018 which espouses the Whole-
of-Nation Approach in attaining sustainable and inclusive peace. The National Action Plan
Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NAP ELCAC) aims to resolve the communist armed
conflict by addressing its root causes through a Whole-of Nation Approach (WoNA). The two
main strategies are: (1) delivery of basic services to the vulnerable sectors/sections of the
society; and (2) good governance.

The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) leads the PRLEC which
recognizes that local armed conflicts are not mere military concerns but of a broader social,
economic and governance challenges as manifested by prevalence of poverty, lack of better
life opportunities, historical injustices, social inequities, and exclusion.

To address the social and economic issues and problems in conflict affected and conflict
vulnerable areas, PRLEC implemented a Barangay Development Program (BDP). The BDP
is a community-based development approach in bringing developmental interventions and
delivery of basic and social services.

The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) is composed of the
following National Government Agencies:

Chair
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Vice — Chair
Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Members
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD)
Department of Education (DepEd) Department of Energy (DOE)
Department of Information and Department of Environment and Natural
Communication Technology (DICT) Resource (DENR)
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Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 2 of 11 pages
Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number Dqq, series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately
Department of Public Works and Highways Department of Science and Technology
(DPWH) (DOST)
Climate Change Commission (CCC) National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC)
Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, National Security Council (NSC)
Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU)
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Presidential Communications Operations
(NICA) Office (PCOO)
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor
(PCUP)
National Commission on Indigenous Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)
Peoples (NCIP)
Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) National Irrigation Administration (NIA)
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) National Housing Authority (NHA)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Philippine National Police (PNP)
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

Below is the organizational structure of the PRLEC:

NTF-ELCAC PRLE Cluster Chairman

TESDA Deputy Director General
Gabriel Luis Quisumbing
NTT MAC PRLE
Cluster Secretariat
NTT-ELCAC PRLE Cluster Co-Vice-Chairman NTF-ELCAC PRLE Cluster Co-Vice-Chairman
DA Secretary William Dar DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez

TESDA

Entrepreneurship Institutional Agrarian Reform and

Employment Financing Food Production
and Marketing Development Community Development
DOLE TESDA DEP DA
DTI DSWD DAR

Chair: TESDA Director

Cc -Vire: DA & DTI

Provincial PIM C rhair

Governor/Representative

Municipal WM Chair
Mayor/Representative

Elarengay MEC Chair

Brgy. Cheirman/Represerrtative
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Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 3 of 11 pages
Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number Oqq, series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately

The NGAs form the seven (7) sub-clusters with their roles and functions towards the
achievement of the PRLEC's objectives:

1. Employment Cluster (Chair- DOLE, Members: DSWD, PCA)

— Provision of livelihood programs, decent employment opportunities, development of
policies and programs leading to ease access to employment and its protection.

2. Skills Training Cluster (Chair- TESDA, Members: DepEd, CHED, AFP, PNP)
—Provision of scholarships, relevant community trainings and extension programs leading
to sustainable employment and creation of livelihood opportunities.

3. Institutional Development Cluster (Chair- DSWD, Members: NCiP, CDA, DAR, PCUP,
PNP, AFP, NICA, PCOO, NSC, CCC, NAPC, NIA, DILG-LGU)
— Provision of Skills Training and Starter Kits, Develop Institutionalize Program and
Capacity Building, List of Participants and Safety Protocols.

4. Financing Cluster (Chair- DBP, Members: LBP, DTI, DSWD, CDA, DA, DA-
Agricultural Credit Policy Council)
—Provision of financial training and literacy and capital assistance, develop programs to
facilitate access to loans and financing of community based entrepreneurial programs.

5. Entrepreneurship and Marketing (Chair- DTI, Members: DA, BFAR, TESDA, DSWD,
PCOO, PCA, CDA, DBP, LBP, DAR, DOST, DOLE)
—Provision of Entrepreneurship Training, Business Modelling, Marketing Assistance and
Cooperative Development and Development of Relevant Programs.

6. Food Security (Chair- DA, Members: DAR, PCA, BFAR, NIA, TESDA, DOST, DENR,
DTI, NCIP)
—Provision of agricultural productivity measures to ensure Food Security; Agri-related
Trainings, All Environmental Trainings with TVET Content and Construction of Required
Infrastructure and Specialized Trainings.

7. Agrarian Reform Community Development (Chair- DAR, Members: DA, DENR, DOF,
DSWD)
—Resolution to Land Disputes/Land Distribution.
 TESDA CIRCULAR
Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 4 of 11 pages
Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number OK series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately

The PRLEC addresses the lack of better life choices, historical injustices, social inequities, and
exclusion.

As such, PRLEC Barangay Development Program identified convergence mechanisms to

hasten economic activities in target barangays that will unlock livelihood and employment
opportunities to the target groups of farmers-fisher folks, Former Rebels (FRs), Indigenous
Persons (IPs) and in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) who are
deemed the most vulnerable and marginalized sector.

A barangay that is self-sustaining, self-reliant, peaceful, resilient and with inclusive development
is the guarantee that will deter infiltration and influence of lawless elements and address the
causes of social and armed conflict.

II. COVERAGE:

Priority barangays that are cleared from the influence, control, and threat of the Communist
Terrorist Groups (CTGs) as identified by the NTF-ELCAC which includes the 822 (cleared 2016-
2019), the 1,406 (cleared 2020-2021); and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas
(GIDAs) as identified by the Joint Regional Task Force (JRTF)-ELCAC. These priority
barangays will be provided with needed infrastructure, basic and social services, and other
developmental interventions.

III. OBJECTIVES:

The PRLEC Barangay Development Program aims to:

1 Provide timely and needed development interventions, such as trainings, infrastructure, and
technology transfer to former conflict affected and conflict vulnerable barangays and
identified as priority by the NTF ELCAC;

2. Address the socio-economic problems and issues in the conflict affected and conflict
vulnerable barangays in the rural areas thereby removing the fertile ground on which social
conflict arises; and

3. Develop resilient, self-sustaining, inclusive and sustainable development in target priority

barangays.

IV. LEGAL REFERENCE/S:

• E0 70 s. 2018
• National Action Plan of E0 70
• E0 138 s. 2021
 TESDA CIRCULAR
Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 5 of 11 pages
Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number oqq, series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately

V. IMPLEMENTING MECHANICS

Implementation of the PRLEC BDP is in convergence with other national government

agencies, respective local government units, non-governmental organizations, private
sector, and other stakeholders consistent with the Whole of Nation Approach (WoNA) as
mandated in the E.O. 70.

Considering that the Local Government Units (LGUs) are empowered to deliver basic
and social services in their respective jurisdiction as provided for by the local government
code and other relevant laws and issuances, in the implementation of the PRLEC BDP,
the LGU through their Local Chief Executive (LCE) shall take the lead in the
implementation of the program in their respective locality.

Objectives Approach End State

a. Reduced poverty
a. Programs are
rate;
harmonized and
b. Enhanced job
culturally responsive
opportunities;
c. Ensure food security;
d. Empowered CONVERIEN4 b. Self-reliant, resilient
and sustainable
community
communities
e. Programs are funded

Feedback

TESDA, being the Chair of the national and regional PRLE Cluster under the NTF-
ELCAC and RTF-ELCAC respectively, shall take the lead and coordinate with other
stakeholders in the implementation of the program, as provided herewith:
 TESDA CIRCULAR
Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 6 of 11 pages
Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number 044, series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately

The Pre-Implementation Stage

1) Social Preparation — It is the conduct of preliminary social analysis of the community

where organizer engage in institution preparations, area selection and social
investigation and integration. In this stage, the grounds are being laid for the
implementation of the program. Tasks are as follows:

a) Barangay Consultation and Profiling — Through the LCE/ his representative shall
take the lead in the realization, identification and implementation of programs.
i. Result of Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) consultation to
be considered as a source of information in generating the barangay
profile and identification of programs to be implemented.

b) Needs Identification and Assessment

PROVINCIAL PRIORITIES
(SKILLS MAP)

PRIORITY SECTORS OF
MACRO THE AREA

JOB OR SKILLS
MICRO
REQUIREMENTS

INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

(TNA)

The identification of the programs that shall be implemented should be aligned to the
area-based skills requirements using the framework above. The following steps shall be
undertaken to determine program:

1. Using the developed skills map and report on the provincial skills priorities, analyze
the profile of the community that will be assisted and determine the relevant sector
and the corresponding jobs/occupations.
 TESDA CIRCULAR
Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 7 of 11 pages
Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number DO, series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately

2. Determine the training needs of the target beneficiaries through conduct of Training
Needs with the assistance of the CTEC.

3. Resource-based mapping in the community be an input in the identification of job

and skills requirements.

The following is the suggested template/content for the development of the TNA tool:

1. Profile of respondents
2. Instruction (with sample on how to answer)
3. List of Programs based on the profile of the community/requirements of
the community (can be grouped by sector/per UC or LO as needed;
include "others")

c) Courtesy call with the LGUs (Municipal and Barangay).

d) Initial networking with potential and probable NGAs, NGOs, CSOs and the
Private Sector.

2) Strategy and Planning — It is the determination and analysis of economic condition

and unfulfilled opportunities of the community and decision on what to be done to
improve its economic conditions through Barangay Development Plan (BDP) and
Family Farm Plan.

a) Conduct PRLEC Planning Meeting (Municipal and Barangay)

b) Preparation and submission to RO of Project Proposal and QM

The Implementation Stage

1) Off-Grounding Sub-stage — refers to activities that needs to be undertaken for the

project to commence or take off the ground.

a) Serbisyo CaravanfTESDAmayan
b) Conduct of skills training/s
*To allow qualified private TVIs with recognized Community-Based Training
Program (CBTP) to provide skills training as identified in the needs assessment
conducted by the relevant TESDA office.
c) Provision for other interventions:
i. Tool kits
ii. Financial Literacy
 TESDA CIRCULAR
Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 8 of 11 pages
Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number Ogg, series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately

iii. Facilitate links with financial institution for capitalization

iv. Facilitate market linkages
v. Construction of initial identified infrastructure/s thru Training-Cum-
Production

2) Sustaining Sub-stage — refers to the activities needed in making the enterprise self-
generating and self-sustaining.

a) Conduct of trainings: upskilling or alternative or ancillary skills (for the original

partners in the barangay)

b) Conduct of trainings for new partners (expanding partners in the barangay)

c) Conduct of training for product packaging, value-adding and post-harvest

d) Organizational Capacity Building — establishing appropriate organization or

association (e.g. cooperative or producers' association) or "Big Brother"
cooperative
e) Capacity building on Financial Management System of the organization/
association

f) Marketing and commercialization of produce

g) Provision for other interventions:

➢ Health services
Education service, e.g. ALS

3) Sustainable Sub-stage — refers to the activities needed to establish institutional

mechanism and systems to sustain the economic projects and activities, such as but
not limited to the following:

a) Leadership training and organizational development and registration

b) Establishing Financial Management System
c) Establishing market partnership with private sector
d) Product registration for value-added produce
e) Post-harvest facility
f) Other basic services
 TESDA CIRCULAR
Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 9 of 11 pages
Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number oqq, series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately

The Exit Stage — refers to the activities needed to determine the viability and
sustainability of the projects, such as:

1) Terminal Evaluation and Documentation

a) To be conducted preferably by a third-party evaluator such as, but not limited to
members of the academe.

2) Referral and expansion to the adjacent barangays

Under the sustainable sub-stage and exit stage, TESDA should ensure the sustainability
of LGU-led TVET interventions in the communities in line with EO 138 s 2021, "Full
Devolution of Certain Functions of the Executive Branch to Local Governments,
Creation of a Committee on Devolution, and For Other Purposes". Hence, Provincial
Offices should ensure that key PRLEC TVET activities, such as skills mapping and skills
training should be included in the local development plans and annual investment plans.
POs should also advocate for the representation of TESDA/TVET in the local school
board, local economic council. This is in line with the implementation Pathways of TVET
Devolution.

In the Implementation of Scholarship Programs

Scholarship guidelines should be flexible enough to accommodate the target recipients

of the vulnerable and marginalized sectors in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable
barangays, some of whom may fall below the required educational attainment level or
have special conditions that need to be considered. This is aligned with strategies under
objective 4 of the NTESDP.

VI. OFFICE OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY AND ROLES

1. CLGO-CLGUS as PMO for PRLEC-BDP

Shall serve as the overall monitoring and evaluation body for the program implemented by
the regions which shall:

a) Review pilot programs;

b) Provide directions/guidelines;
c) Consolidate the best practices and maintenance of databank;
d) Consolidate and submit reports of BDP implementations from regions to the NTF-
ELCAC; and
e) Coordinate with other PRLEC member agencies and NTF ELCAC Clusters.
 TESDA CIRCULAR
Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 10 of 11 pages
Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number LPE, series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately

2. Scholarship Management Office

a) Plans and manages the scholarship allocations/resources for the PRLEC Barangay
Development Program;
b) Monitors the implementation of scholarship policies and programs; and
c) Evaluates submitted Project Proposals for the PRLEC BDP.

3. Regional Office

a) Shall plan, implement, monitor and evaluate the convergence programs and activities in
their respective provinces in support of the NTF-ELCAC and submit periodic reports to
the National PRLE Cluster Chairman and the joint RDC/RPOC.

b) Shall coordinate with their respective joint RDC/RPOC or RTF-ELCAC on their activities
to ensure the activities are harmonized with the other efforts of the NTF-ELCAC in their
respective regions.
c) Shall provide support to PO towards the achievement of exit stage of all the BDP target
barangays.
d) Supervise the implementation of BDP Programs, Activities and Projects as needed
depending on the level /stage of implementation to ensure it reaches the exit stage.
e) Ensure that identified barangays are provided with the services in their respective
provinces utilizing all available resources including applicable scholarship programs.
f) Facilitate coordination with other regional offices of NGAs and other stakeholders.

4. Provincial Office

a) in close coordination with the respective LGUs, e.g., provincial, municipal and barangay
shall plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate the convergence programs, activities, and
projects of the PRLEC BDP in their respective area of jurisdiction; and submit periodic
reports to their respective upper echelon PRLE Cluster.
b) In coordination with the CTEC of the LGU shall harmonize and synchronize trainings in
the barangays maximizing the synergy with other partners/PRLEC member agencies
and other stakeholders.
c) Prepare and submit to RO project proposals and Qualification Maps (*Refer to Fund
Source).
d) Monitor training provisions from other agencies.
e) Reach out to the identified barangays to provide the following services in their respective
provinces utilizing available resources including applicable scholarship programs:
i. Institution and Community-based Training Programs for employment and self-
employment
ii. Assessment and Certification
iii. Technical support
 •
•
TESDA CIRCULAR
Subject: Implementing Guidelines on Poverty Reduction, Page 11 of 11 pages
Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Number 0'41, series of 2022
Barangay Development Program (BDP)
Date Issued: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 29, 2022 Immediately
f) Coordinate with the local development council promoting that TVET, including skills
mapping and skills training, should be included in the local development funds and
annual investment plans, and that TESDA should have representation in the local
development council, local school board, or similar group involved in local economic
planning.

VII. REPORTING/MONITORING AND EVALUATION SYSTEM

A .41-%.,es Or1r1r1 foNe.“-dr. ise•e1,-see,

r‘Lat ILA iZeu \k-/r k./ oion a 'vvecimi uctoto 1.11C yvuyic ui
shall upucuc
Aril se, "L-tes.,4 ; tr.
IVC/111U11111.JI II iy oi iCC1. II 1

the CLGO-CLGUS database. Authorized ROPO focals likewise needs to upload evidences of
intervention to support the ROPO evaluation as indicated in the BDP metrics.

Central Office through CLGUS shall conduct periodic review and on-site visit to monitor,
evaluate and document best practices from regions that may be replicated in other regions and
provinces. Said best practices shall enter TESDA's Knowledge Management Databank.

VIII. FUNDING SOURCE

The budget for the implementation of the training programs in support to PRLEC will be sourced
from the TESDA Scholarship Funds. The transfer of funds to the Regions shall be in
accordance with the approved guidelines on the download or release of scholarship funds to
the operating units (Refer to TESDA Circulars No. 020 s. 2021, 020-A s. 2021, and 005 s. 2022).
However, beneficiaries under this program, specifically formor rebels shall be exempted from
Registration and Attendance Taking Modules under the Biometrics-Enabled Scholarship
Registration System (BSRS). Likewise, it shall be subjected to the usual government budgeting,
accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

For the Central Office Allocation, a corresponding Sub-ARO and Notice of Transfer of
Allocation (NTA) shall be released to ROs based on the approved QMs.

Funds coming from the LGUs allocated for their CBT activities shall be utilized.

Regional and Provincial MOOE is the source of fund to cover implementation expenses such
as but not limited to training supplies and materials, gasoline, transportation, mobility expense
and other emergency expenses while TESDA Scholarship Fund Allocation are to be used in the
training requirements of the BDP.

This Circular takes effect as indicated and sh ersed uances inconsistent herewith.

SEC. ISIDR" S. LAPENA, Ft n., ('SE

Director General )je-