Aninver selected by the IFC for a new project in the Philippines

We are delighted to announce that Aninver Development Partners has been awarded a major contract by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to lead an impactful project in the Philippines. This assignment will focus on designing and implementing performance audit guidelines for the country’s air and maritime transport sectors, which are essential to national development and economic growth.

The project, initiated in partnership with the Philippines' National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and other regulatory agencies, aligns with the government’s strategic objective to enhance public service delivery under the Amended Public Service Act (PSA).

Project Background: Strengthening Public Service Standards in the Philippines

The Amended PSA mandates the annual performance audit of essential public services to ensure they meet stringent quality, affordability, and reliability standards. This reform is especially critical as the Philippines continues to expand its infrastructure, necessitating a framework that guarantees the highest standards in service provision and rapid response to emergencies. The performance audit mechanism to be implemented through this project will empower agencies to systematically monitor and evaluate service quality, public responsiveness, and operational efficiency across public utilities, including critical sectors like aviation and maritime.

As part of this initiative, Aninver will collaborate closely with two key regulatory authorities: the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). These organizations are tasked with regulating and monitoring the performance of service providers in their respective domains, ensuring that essential services meet the established metrics for public safety, reliability, and emergency response.

Project Objectives: Defining New Standards for Public Service Audits

Our project team, guided by Aninver’s extensive expertise in regulatory support and infrastructure evaluation, will work with CAB and MARINA to achieve the following specific objectives:

Establishing Performance Benchmarks and Audit Guidelines: We will develop internationally benchmarked performance standards that CAB and MARINA can use to audit and monitor service providers’ adherence to quality, cost-efficiency, and responsiveness criteria. Our goal is to design these benchmarks based on global best practices, industry norms, and specific requirements within the Philippine context.

Building a Procedural Framework and Organizational Structure for Audits: Aninver will assist CAB and MARINA in setting up an operational framework for conducting annual performance audits. This includes recommending the necessary staffing, training, and procedural guidelines for the efficient implementation of the audits. Furthermore, we will provide recommendations for structuring these organizations to ensure they can sustainably and independently conduct audits in the future.

Conducting a Gap Analysis on Current Monitoring Mechanisms: Through a rigorous assessment of existing performance standards and mechanisms, Aninver will identify gaps in the current monitoring systems at CAB and MARINA. This will allow us to design a robust framework that is aligned with international standards and addresses the specific needs and challenges of the Philippine public service sector.

Establishing Penalties and Compliance Measures: To ensure adherence to the audit findings, Aninver will advise on appropriate penalties for non-compliance, including potential suspension or revocation of operational licenses for public service providers failing to meet standards.

Scope of Work: Comprehensive Support for Performance Audits

Aninver’s scope of work includes providing technical support and expertise to CAB and MARINA across various stages of the audit development process. Key activities encompass the following:

1. Designing Audit Metrics and Indicators: We will work with the agencies to establish metrics that reflect both international standards and local expectations, covering critical areas such as service cost, quality, and emergency response capabilities.
2. Guiding Audit Standards and Evaluation Criteria: Our team will ensure that the audit guidelines adhere to globally accepted principles, providing CAB and MARINA with a standardized approach to assessing service providers' performance.
3. Recommending Staffing and Training Needs: By identifying necessary roles and competencies, Aninver will enable CAB and MARINA to build a sustainable, skilled team capable of carrying out performance audits effectively.
4. Delivering a Series of Technical Reports and Briefs: These documents will serve as reference points for CAB and MARINA, covering aspects such as audit processes, evaluation frameworks, organizational setup, and compliance protocols.

Deliverables and Expected Impact: Transforming Service Accountability in the Philippines

Our collaboration with IFC and local regulatory bodies will culminate in several high-impact deliverables designed to strengthen the accountability of the Philippines' public service providers. Key deliverables include:

1. Performance Audit Guidelines: These comprehensive guidelines will establish a baseline for effective monitoring and evaluation across public services, offering detailed instructions on implementing rigorous performance standards.
2. Gap Analysis Report: This report will assess the existing audit mechanisms at CAB and MARINA, providing recommendations for bridging any deficiencies found in the current systems.
3. Technical Notes and Case Studies: To support CAB and MARINA in applying global best practices, we will provide case studies from jurisdictions with similar regulatory environments, showcasing effective audit models.
4. Organizational and Procedural Frameworks: Aninver will deliver a procedural and organizational model tailored to the needs of the Philippine public sector, helping CAB and MARINA to carry out audits independently and efficiently.

Aninver’s Expertise and Commitment to Sustainable Development

Aninver Development Partners has an established track record of executing complex regulatory and performance evaluation projects in the infrastructure sector worldwide. Our team of experts brings unparalleled experience in developing public sector audit frameworks, working with government agencies, and aligning projects with international standards. This project not only reinforces our commitment to fostering sustainable development in emerging economies but also showcases our dedication to supporting the Philippines in achieving its public service goals.

We are proud to be selected for this project and are enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the IFC’s mission of improving public services and strengthening infrastructure accountability in the Philippines. This partnership is another milestone in Aninver’s journey to drive transformation and resilience in the global infrastructure sector.

Stay connected with us for updates on this exciting project as Aninver continues to make strides in enhancing public service frameworks that benefit communities and drive economic growth worldwide.