Shock-Responsive Social Protection in the Philippines

Prof. Mel Luna, Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and University

of the Philippines
DISCLAIMER: This presentation does not necessarily reflect the views of ADB or the Government concerned, and ADB and the Government cannot be held liable for its contents.

Whats the problem?

Volatility: the frequency and severity of crises and disasters are

increasing, pulling more people into poverty and disproportionately
affecting the poorest.
Humanitarian system: is under strain, unable to keep pace with
growing needs from sudden onset (e.g. floods) and protracted crises.
Cost-effectiveness: a well-functioning social protection system offers a
potentially more cost-effective shock-response option than
humanitarian aid

Our research

Consortium approach with Oxford Policy Management leading

March 2015 - 2017
Funded by UK Government: DFIDs Humanitarian Innovation and
Evidence Programme (HIEP)
Case studies: Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Philippines, Lesotho and
the Sahel

Research questions

What factors enable social

protection systems to be
responsive to disasters and to
deliver effective shock
response?
What features in the design and implementation
of social protection systems facilitate an effective
response to shocks?
How can humanitarian, disaster risk management
and social protection systems best work together
for more effective responses to shocks?

How might social protection systems contribute to a response?

Source: OPM (2015), Shock-responsive social protection systems research. Working paper 1: Conceptualising shock-responsive social protection

Experiences following Typhoon Haiyan

Pantawid national CCT was vertically expanded in some areas with

finance from WFP and UNICEF
Considered to be efficient and effective way of reaching a significant portion of
disaster-affected households
Judged to be quicker and cheaper than alternative humanitarian assistance

But did not reach disaster-affected households who were not

existing Pantawid beneficiaries

Horizontal expansion was not considered feasible or politically desirable

Therefore other forms of humanitarian assistance were still required
WFP top-up only covered food needs
UNICEF component only went to some Pantawid beneficiaries, causing some
confusion

Key enabling factors for vertical scale-up of the Pantawid CCT

1. DSWD is the lead government agency for both social protection and
disaster response (this facilitated coordination of the CCT top up but
potentially hindered capacity)
2. Pantawid is a well-established national CCT with good admin systems
3. High political will within government & good relations with humanitarian
donors and UN agencies
4. Conducive regulatory environment (e.g. financial regulations)
5. Existing processes for quick identification of beneficiaries post disaster
6. Flexible payment systems (card or over-the-counter)
7. Local level implementation (Municipal and City Links)

What does the future hold?

World Bank working with DSWD to institutionalise a national

emergency cash transfer
Design still TBD but discussing a combination of i) vertical scale up of Pantawid and
ii) piggybacking Pantawid administrative systems to ensure wider coverage
Also providing grant for capacity building
Unsure of future prioritisation due to change in government administration

Many challenges to overcome:

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

identifying and enrolling non-Pantawid beneficiary households

determining the parameters for establishing the transfer value post emergency
defining institutional arrangements and capacity building
defining coordination with other cash transfers provided by humanitarian
agencies
preparedness planning for DSWD and payment service providers
putting in place instruments to ensure availability and rapid release of funds

Final thought

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Literature review, working papers, case study resports available on
http://www.opml.co.uk/projects/shock-responsive-socialprotection-systems

Case study reports will be added as they are finalised

Synthesis report and briefing papers will be available in 2017

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Web: http://www.opml.co.uk/projects/shock-responsive-social-protection-systems