HISTORY

Through the years, UPPAF implemented the following USAID projects either as a sub-grantee or subcontractor:​

• Assessing the Performance of the Aquino Administration under the USAID Facilitating Public Investment (FPI) Project of DAI Global, LLC (2016-2017);

• Open Government Research Colloquium under the USAID Facilitating Public Investment (FPI) Project of DAI Global, LLC (2016-2017);

• Support to Capacity Building of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission and Key Agencies on Project Management under the USAID Philippines Rule of Law Effectiveness Project of Management Systems International (MSI) (2007);

• Compliance Training in Anti-Money Laundering under the USAID AMLA Project implemented by MSI (2005-2006); and

• 1-10th Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders under the USAID Growth with Equity (GEM 1-3) of Louis Berger Group, Inc. (2000-2010)

 

RESPOND Project.  In August 2018, USAID issued the Request for Application (RFA) for the Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (RESPOND). UPPAF responded by submitting a Concept Note in October 2018. Of the six (6) institutes that submitted Concept Notes to USAID for the RESPOND Project, only two (UPPAF and Ateneo de Manila University School of Government) were invited by USAID for oral presentation on 07 November (UPPAF) and 08 November (ADMU School of Government). 

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In the months of November and December (2018), UPPAF and USAID participated in a Co-Design Workshop to (a) finalize the Program Description (Scope of Work) for RESPOND, (b) prepare the annual project budget estimates for 5 years; and (c) discuss the preparations for the Non-US pre-award survey (NUPAS) to be conducted by USAID.

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UPPAF as a USAID Direct Grantee. On 16 April 2019, UPPAF became a direct grantee of the USAID with the award and signing of the Cooperative Agreement for the RESPOND Project. In brief, RESPOND is a 5-year, $10 million project that aims to make the investment and trade environment more competitive and open by removing market entry barriers, reducing regulatory burdens, and improving regulatory governance. With this, the status of UPPAF has been elevated to a higher level – that of a direct grantee.  UPPAF can now pursue directly projects with other development agencies, not only as a sub-grantee or subcontractor but as a direct grantee.

 

The Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (RESPOND) seeks to improve regulatory quality in the Philippines that will lead to enhanced competitiveness, and ultimately, contributes to higher levels of investment and trade, inclusive growth and self-reliance. Toward this end, RESPOND pursues interventions that enhance market competition, and strengthen regulatory capacity and governance. To advance market competition, RESPOND supports reforms that reduce barriers to entry and reduce regulatory burdens and transaction costs for business. To strengthen the capacity of public officials to develop and implement quality regulations, RESPOND extends technical assistance that strengthens regulatory oversight as well as transparency and accountability mechanisms. As a cross-cutting objective, RESPOND seeks to expand citizen engagement and the participation of civil society organizations to advocate for fair and open regulation and a better business environment. 

 

Annual Audit of UPPAF by an External Auditor (Thorton/Punongbayan-Araullo)
Regular Audit conducted by a USAID-accredited Auditor on the RESPOND Project: Audit Period – 2021, 2022 (Unqualified Opinions) and 2023 (ongoing)

USAID extended the RESPOND project for another 3 years with an additional funding of US$ 5.8 million.

 

New USAID Projects.  Aside from RESPOND, UPPAF has been awarded the following new sub-grant and subcontract:

• USAID YouthLed Project (2021-2025).  UPPAF is a sub-grantee of The Asia Foundation 

• USAID Urban Connect Project (2023-2028). UPPAF is a subcontractor of WSP