The Regional Development Council, VI (RDC-VI) through the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC), in partnership with the YSEALI-Professional Fellows Program, Global Shapers Community-Iloilo Hub, National Youth Commission and the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC) VI, conducted the Kick-Off Activity for Project MINI ME on June 15-16, 2023 at the NEDA Building, Iloilo City.

The two-day event marked the start of a nationwide effort to promote the mainstreaming and institutionalizing of investments in monitoring and evaluation. The 20 selected students from the different state universities and colleges in Western Visayas were officially presented to the members of the RPMC VI.

In his opening remarks, RPMC VI Chairperson and NEDA Regional Director Arecio A. Casing, Jr. highlighted the significant role of the youth in shaping the future of their communities. They are not just passive recipients of services and programs but active partners in creating positive change. RD Casing also provided an overview on the RDC VI and its functions.

“They are the torchbearers of progress and the future of our nation. It is for this reason that your involvement in the development process is essential, as nation-building and the fight against corruption are generational concerns that disproportionately impact vulnerable sectors, particularly our children and young individuals,” he said.

During the event, the concerned state universities and colleges (SUC), represented by Guimaras State University President Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño and Aklan State University President Dr. Emily M. Arangote signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the RPMC VI and the SUC.

Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in various learning sessions and team-building activities that provided practical insights into the government process and the project development cycle. The sessions were facilitated by DBM Regional Director Maria Lianie L. Gayomali, and the NEDA VI officials and technical staff.

The Project MINI ME Kick-Off Activity is just the beginning of a larger effort to instill a culture of accountability and transparency in the government, through monitoring and evaluation. With continued support and collaboration, the RDC VI is optimistic that the project will lead to more efficient and effective public service.

Endorsed by the RDC VI through Resolution No. 61, series of 2022, the Project MINI ME will be have activities composed of training-workshop, site visits, and mentoring session until November 2023 (EAMPareja, PMED).