ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCE AUGMENTATION (TARA) PLAN RESOURCE AUGMENTATION (TARA) PLAN RESOURCE IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS IN THE CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE THE REGION (CAR) IN 2006 AND 2007

This paper evaluates the provision of Technical Assistance and Resource Augmentation (TARA) by the DSWD-CAR to the Local Government Units in the Cordillera Administrative Region in 2006-07. TARA provision started in 2002 to assist stakeholders to implement social welfare and development programs effectively so as to achieve the Department’s vision, mission and objectives. After 5 years of implementation, it is not however clear if the quality of TARA provided by the field office (FO) were achieved and properly implemented vis-à-vis the TARA needs requested and those that were provided. The result of this study was accomplished either through one-on-one interview or through supervised filling up of questionnaire by respondents. The questionnaire seeks to investigate on four aspects: First, the capability of DSWD staff to provide technical assistance as well as the capability of the Field Office to provide resource augmentation. Second, the support of the LGUs to implement plans prepared by their local SWDoffices in term of logistics. Third, the existence of operational social welfare structures and policies in the different areas and fourth is the support of stakeholders. These four vital factors are believed to be influential in the implementation of TARA in the LGUs. The core result of the study displayed that DSWD – CAR has been responsive to the needs of all sectors in the LGUs through TARA provisions although some were not satisfied. Findings were based on the percentage of TARA provision against TARA needs. The Level of satisfaction/ dissatisfaction of LGUs who were provided TARA were likewise ascertained through ranking. Moreover, the forms of TARA provision most preferred and needed were ranked along with the sector who most need of such. It is high time that the data gathered brings improvement or sustain our effort in affirming our role to provide leadership/ stewardship to SWD sector by fielding credible and competent staff and augmenting LGUs with appropriate resources based on their needs and situations they are confronted with.