Supply Chain Improvement Program now ready for implementation

The first phase of the program “Supply Chain Improvement for Selected Commodities in the Philippines” is set for implementation following its budget approval. An inception meeting among researchers is scheduled on 5-6 July at PCARRD to firm up program work plan, after which, budget is expected to be released.

Phase 1 Evaluation Research, which will run for a year, has five component projects to be carried out by four main implementing and six co-implementing agencies:

This phase will provide an overview of the commodity industry, develop product-specific supply chain maps; analyze the efficiency, flexibility and overall responsiveness of the chain; identify areas for improvement; and recommend policies to improve the industry in general and the supply chain in particular.

The initial phase of the program also hopes to generate among others quantitative and qualitative databank, spatial, temporal and linkage maps, documentation of best practices for technical improvement that will benefit farmers in targeted supply chains.

The component projects will develop IEC materials for wider dissemination of results.

Based on the findings of Phase 1, the next phase will design specific improvement measures for the areas previously identified; pilot test, assess and define the improvement measures; and design and implement sustainability measures for the improved supply chain. (Rita M. Fabro, S&T Media Service).