Regional : Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 through Community-Led Interventions

Sovereign Project | 54368-001

This knowledge and support technical assistance (TA) supports the implementation of measures to prepare for and respond to needs arising from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by civil society organizations (CSOs), including community-based organizations and nongovernment organizations (NGOs). The TA supports civil society organizations (CSOs) to provide services in three areas: (i) community-based mitigation and prevention activities; (ii) social protection for vulnerable communities, including elderly care; and (iii) economic support for those with livelihoods affected by COVID-19. The TA focuses on opportunities for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to create new partnerships with CSOs in several countries where civil society activity in the COVID-19 response complements the ADB portfolio.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Best, Marina Rose
    Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Regional
  • Sector
    • Health
Project Name Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 through Community-Led Interventions
Project Number 54368-001
Country / Economy Regional
Armenia
Cambodia
Cook Islands
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Mongolia
Philippines
Thailand
Project Status Active
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Technical Assistance
Source of Funding / Amount
TA 6594-REG: Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 through Community-Led Interventions
Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific US$ 2.00 million
TA 6594-REG: Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 through Community-Led Interventions
Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund US$ 750,000.00
People's Republic of China Poverty Reduction and Regional Cooperation Fund US$ 1.00 million
Regional Cooperation and Integration Fund US$ 730,000.00
Operational Priorities OP1: Addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities
OP2: Accelerating progress in gender equality
OP6: Strengthening governance and institutional capacity
OP7: Fostering regional cooperation and integration
Sector / Subsector

Health / Disease control of communicable disease

Gender Effective gender mainstreaming
Description

This knowledge and support technical assistance (TA) supports the implementation of measures to prepare for and respond to needs arising from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by civil society organizations (CSOs), including community-based organizations and nongovernment organizations (NGOs). The TA supports civil society organizations (CSOs) to provide services in three areas: (i) community-based mitigation and prevention activities; (ii) social protection for vulnerable communities, including elderly care; and (iii) economic support for those with livelihoods affected by COVID-19. The TA focuses on opportunities for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to create new partnerships with CSOs in several countries where civil society activity in the COVID-19 response complements the ADB portfolio.

On 29 June 2021, additional financing from the Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund (EAKPF), People's Republic of China Poverty Reduction and Regional Cooperation Fund (PRCF), and the Regional Cooperation and Integration Fund (RCIF) was approved. The additional financing increased the TA amount from $2.0 million to $4.480 million and expands the TA coverage to engage an additional 5 CSOs, for a total of 10 CSOs across 7 of ADB's developing member countries (DMCs).

Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

The TA is aligned with ADB's Comprehensive Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and supports Strategy 2030's aims of engaging with CSOs in the delivery of development assistance.

The TA also supports Operational Priorities (OP) OP1, OP2, OP6, and OP7 under ADB's Strategy 2030.

Impact

Adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic reduced in selected communities Asia and the Pacific

Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Collaboration with CSOs and community-based organizations in supporting COVID-19 affected communities increased

Progress Toward Outcome Ten CSOs were selected through a competitive bidding process. Selected CSOs are located in Armenia (1), Cambodia (1), the Cook Islands (1), Lao PDR (1), Mongolia (2), the Philippines (3), and Thailand (1). As of April 2022, all ten CSOs had signed contracts with ADB and begun implementation of their programs to support communities affected by COVID-19.
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Community-based crisis prevention, mitigation, and adaptation capacity increased

Informal social protection programs stressed by COVID-19 impacts supported

Economic support provided for people with livelihoods affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)

OUTPUT 1: As of September 2022:

170 communities have received support for increased capacity to implement COVID-19 prevention measures, exceeding TA targets. Countries where community engagement activities have been conducted include: Mongolia (33), Cook Islands (31), Philippines (71), Armenia (15), and Cambodia (20). Engagement encompasses a broad array of activities, but includes: (i) livelihood support, (ii) hygiene training, (iii) support for installing hand wash points and distributing PPEs, (iv) awareness-raising on COVID-19 prevention, (v) deployment and training of community/local health coordinators and social workers, and (vi) provision of informatics infrastructure for telehealth and equipment support for project operations

Work on community plans are ongoing with 8 complete as of September 2022, 3 of which directly address the needs of women and girls. Countries where community plans have been concluded include: Mongolia (4) and Philippines (4). Activities for the community plans are diverse, but include: (i) town hall meetings/health and economic summits to solicit inputs from the communities, and (ii) preparation of contingency and preparedness/prevention, mitigation and adaptation plans.

Output 2: As of September 2022:

Basic needs of 17,707 poor and vulnerable people (including 9,387 women and girls) have been met, exceeding TA targets. Countries where community engagement activities have been conducted include: Mongolia (7,575 total; 4,445 women and girls); Philippines (1,420 total; 540 women and girls); and Cambodia (8,712 total, 4,402 women and girls). Basic needs include food packs, winter clothes and other basic needs.

33 community groups have thus far confirmed improved capacity to provide social safety nets, 16 of which are led by women. Activities include: (i) hotline and telehealth services; (ii) counselling services for survivors of domestic violence; (iii) family development programs and support to family-based groups; (iv) training for community social/health workers on basic stress management; and (v) establishment of informal social protection and referral systems.

Output 3: As of September 2022:

2,037 vulnerable people have confirmed improved livelihoods, 1,320 of whom were women, which exceeds targets. Countries where improved livelihoods were reported include: (i) Mongolia (1,670 total and 1,069 women), (ii) Cambodia (334 and 227 women), (iii) Armenia (33 total and 24 women). Activities under this output include: (i) paper and online versions of farming and livestock production training materials for livelihood support activities, (ii) provision of livelihood assets including vegetable seeds, greenhouses, beehives, chicken farms, bio-fertilizer, sewing, bakery and dairy equipment, , (iii) support to SMEs, and (iv) fast-track reskilling courses and vocational training conducted.

809 jobless and/or unemployed workers have been employed, 469 of whom are women. Countries where improved employment has occurred include: (i) Mongolia (256 total and 109 women); (ii) Philippines (25 total and 17 women), (iii) Cambodia (528 total and 343 women).

Geographical Location Armenia - Nation-wide; Cambodia - Nation-wide; Cook Islands - Nation-wide; Lao People's Democratic Republic - Nation-wide; Mongolia - Nation-wide; Philippines - Nation-wide; Thailand - Nation-wide
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects
Involuntary Resettlement
Indigenous Peoples
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design The project design responds to a large amount of CSO input received by ADB. For the project, CSOs shared what work they were doing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the most urgent needs reported on the ground. As such, the project builds upon a wide range of CSO inputs and mirrors ADB-CSO shared priorities.
During Project Implementation The project is being delivered by CSOs at the community level, and, as such, incorporates very high levels of stakeholder consultation, participation, and communication.
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services ADB has engaged consultants following the ADB Procurement Policy (2017, as amended from time to time). ADB used output-based terms of reference to recruit 10 CSOs meeting the requirements of the terms of reference. ADB has recruited four individuals to administer and support the project implementation: a Program Administrator, Finance Management Officer, an overall Project Coordinator, and a Communications and Multi-Media expert. The TA will also include the recruitment of firm for a Public Health Specialist.
Procurement The selected CSOs may procure goods and associated services as needed - in line with ADB's Procurement Policy (2017, as amended from time to time) and procedures - to deliver services to the target beneficiaries.
Responsible ADB Officer Best, Marina Rose
Responsible ADB Department Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department
Responsible ADB Division NGO and Civil Society Center
Executing Agencies
Asian Development Bank
Timetable
Concept Clearance -
Fact Finding 07 Aug 2020 to 07 Aug 2020
MRM -
Approval 16 Nov 2020
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 27 Sep 2022

TA 6594-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
16 Nov 2020 - 16 Nov 2020 30 Nov 2023 - -
Financing Plan/TA Utilization Cumulative Disbursements
ADB Cofinancing Counterpart Total Date Amount
Gov Beneficiaries Project Sponsor Others
730,000.00 3,750,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,480,000.00 03 Apr 2023 2,024,204.34

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Title Document Type Document Date
Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 through Community-Led Interventions: Technical Assistance Report Technical Assistance Reports Nov 2020

Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

None currently available.


Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

None currently available.


Related Publications

None currently available.


The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

  • 07 Feb 2023 | Photo Essay

    Community-Based Partnerships Lift Up Mongolia’s COVID-19-Affected People

    The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected many of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. With many governments under severe resource constraints, civil society organizations (CSOs) have often played a critical role in filling social assistance gaps. In Mongolia, ADB is working with CSOs to provide alternative livelihood programs for families and communities affected by the pandemic. Read their stories in this photo essay.
  • 14 Jun 2022 | Multimedia Feature

    Communities Against COVID-19 and Poverty

    Women, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups will not be left behind as new partnerships with civil society organizations are helping them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tenders

Tender Title Type Status Posting Date Deadline
Public Health Entity Firm - Consulting Closed
Communications and Media Consultant Individual - Consulting Closed
Project Coordinator Individual - Consulting Closed
Financial Management Officer Individual - Consulting Closed
Program Administrator Individual - Consulting Closed

Contracts Awarded

Contract Title Approval Number Contract Date Contractor | Address Executing Agency Total Contract Amount (US$) Contract Amount Financed by ADB (US$)
Capacity Development Technical Assistance Technical Assistance 6594 19 Apr 2022 RAKS THAI FOUNDATION (THAILAND) | 185 Pradipat Soi 6, Pradipat Road, Samsen Nai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand Asian Development Bank 400,000.00
Capacity Development Technical Assistance Technical Assistance 6594 10 Dec 2021 Mith Samlanh (CAMBODIA) in association with FRIENDS-INTERNATIONAL (CAMBODIA) | #215 Street 13, Sangkat Chey Chumneas, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Asian Development Bank 470,000.00
Capacity Development Technical Assistance Technical Assistance 6594 11 Nov 2021 University of San Agustin - Center for Informatics (PHILIPPINES) | Gen. Luna St Iloilo City, Region 6, Western Visayas, Iloilo, Philippines Asian Development Bank 425,486.00
Capacity Development Technical Assistance Technical Assistance 6594 05 Nov 2021 Humana People to People (LAO PDR) in association with Informal Worker Advancement Association (IWAA) (LAO PDR) | Khouvieng Road, Hom 2, Ban Beungkhayong, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Capital Lao People's Democratic Republic Asian Development Bank 430,000.00
Capacity Development Technical Assistance Technical Assistance 6594 07 Oct 2021 Calamianes Resilience Network, Inc. (PHILIPPINES) | CRN Office, Tourism Building, Barangay Poblacion III Coron, Palawan, 5316 Philippines Asian Development Bank 304,000.00
Capacity Development Technical Assistance Technical Assistance 6594 18 Oct 2021 Synergeia Foundation, Inc. (PHILIPPINES) | Units E-F, 131 V. Luna Ext. corner Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, METRO MANILA, NCR 1000 Philippines Asian Development Bank 350,000.00
KSTA Technical Assistance 6594 16 Sep 2021 Armavir Development Centre | Yerevanyan str., B40a, area 49 Armavir, 0909 Armenia Asian Development Bank 440,000.00
Capacity Development Technical Assistance 6594 22 Jun 2021 Mongolian Remote Sensing Society in association with Right Sustainable Development NGO | #249/10, 11th khoroolol, 7th khoroo, Sukhbaatar district Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia 14192 Asian Development Bank 440,000.00

Procurement Plan

None currently available.