Full TEXT:

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-025

AN ORDINANCE INSTITUTIONALIZING STANDARDIZED MONITORING AND EVALUATION TOOL AS A GOVERNANCE AND LEARNING MECHANISM FOR ALL SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, AND ACTIVITIES IN THE CITY OF NAGA:-

Authored by: Hon. Jefson Romeo B. Felix

Explanatory Note

For youth leadership to endure and truly mature, energy and innovation must be anchored in systems that allow experience to be shared, refined, and carried forward. In Naga City, the Sangguniang Kabataan undertakes a wide range of initiatives in education, adolescent and youth health, economic empowerment, and community development. These efforts reflect the diversity of youth needs and the creativity of young leaders across barangays. Yet too often, the knowledge generated by these programs remains localized, undocumented in comparable ways, or lost as leadership transitions occur. When learning is fragmented, governance becomes repetitive rather than progressive.

This ordinance advances a different approach by institutionalizing Monitoring and Evaluation as a shared practice rather than a mere reporting requirement. The standardized M&E tool established under this measure serves as a common reference point through which SK leaders collectively reflect on how programs are planned, resourced, implemented, and experienced by youth. It does not seek to judge or rank performance, nor to impose technical evaluations. Instead, it creates the conditions for a community of practice in which lessons from one barangay can inform another, patterns can be recognized over time, and practical knowledge can accumulate across terms of office. In this way, monitoring becomes a means of dialogue, learning, and mutual improvement among youth leaders.

The deeper value of this ordinance lies in its contribution to institutional memory and governance maturity. By embedding a simple but consistent mechanism for reflection and documentation, the City enables youth governance to evolve through shared understanding rather than isolated effort. Over time, this approach supports more thoughtful planning, more responsive resource use, and stronger continuity across administrations. By framing Monitoring and Evaluation as a collective learning process, Naga City affirms that youth governance is not only about delivering activities, but about building an institution that can learn from its own experience and steadily improve the quality and impact of public service for young people.

Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Naga:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as the “SK Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Ordinance of Naga City.”

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. It is hereby declared the policy of the City of Naga to uphold good youth governance in all youth-led initiatives.

Consistent with the constitutional mandate recognizing the vital role of the youth in nation-building, the City affirms that public funds entrusted to the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) shall be utilized in a manner that is lawful, planned, documented, inclusive, and verifiable, while preserving the developmental, participatory, and non-bureaucratic character of youth governance.

To this end, the City adopts a standardized, uniform, and low-burden Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Tool to serve as the minimum governance, accountability, and learning requirement for all SK programs, projects, and activities.

SECTION 3. OBJECTIVES. This Ordinance seeks to:

1. Institutionalize the mandatory use of a single standardized M&E Tool for all SK programs, projects, and activities;
2. Ensure that all SK initiatives are properly authorized, implemented as approved, and fiscally accountable;
3. Provide a uniform mechanism for confirming budget utilization, outputs delivered, and youth beneficiaries reached;
4. Embed inclusivity, ethical safeguards, and transparency in SK implementation practices;
5. Enable consistent consolidation, monitoring, and governance review at the barangay, federation, and city levels; and
6. Strengthen institutional continuity and shared learning in youth governance beyond individual terms of office.

SECTION 4. SCOPE OF APPLICATION. This Ordinance shall apply to all programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) that are:

1. Funded in whole or in part by SK funds;
2. Implemented directly by the SK;
3. Implemented jointly with other SKs, barangays, city offices, or institutions; or
4. Implemented by external partners with SK funding, endorsement, or oversight.

Compliance with this Ordinance shall be required regardless of the size, cost, duration, frequency, or implementation modality of the activity.

SECTION 5. DEFINITION OF TERMS. For purposes of this Ordinance:

1. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) – refers to the systematic post-implementation documentation of authorization, implementation integrity, budget utilization, outputs delivered, and basic outcomes of SK activities, distinct from audit, investigation, or impact evaluation.
2. Standardized M&E Tool – refers to the uniform checklist and structured data-capture instrument mandated under this Ordinance to be accomplished for every SK activity.

3. Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAS) – refer to all initiatives undertaken, funded, or implemented by the SK, whether one-time or continuing.

4. Outcome Confirmation – refers to a non-technical determination that an activity produced a tangible output and reasonably contributed to its stated objective, without requiring indicators, ratings, or studies.

SECTION 6. INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE STANDARDIZED M&E TOOL. A Standardized Monitoring and Evaluation Tool is hereby institutionalized as the mandatory minimum post-implementation requirement for all SK programs, projects, and activities in the City of Naga. The obligation imposed by this Ordinance is limited exclusively to the completion and submission of the Standardized M&E Tool, as provided herein. No additional reports, evaluations, certifications, or approvals shall be required by virtue of this Ordinance alone.

SECTION 7. MINIMUM CONTENTS OF THE STANDARDIZED M&E TOOL. The Standardized M&E Tool shall contain, at a minimum, the following components:

1. Activity identification and classification;
2. Planning and authorization compliance;
3. Approved budget allocation, actual expenditure, and budget variance;
4. Funding source and mode of implementation;
5. Confirmation of implementation and delivery;
6. Identification of tangible outputs and outcome confirmation;
7. Total number of youth beneficiaries and basic demographic snapshot;
8. Compliance with inclusivity, ethics, safety, and data protection safeguards;
9. Coordination and transparency indicators, where applicable;
10. Documentation and audit readiness confirmation; and
11. A brief learning or improvement prompt.

The complete Standardized M&E Tool shall be attached as an Annex to this Ordinance and shall form an integral part hereof.

SECTION 8. NATURE, LIMITATION, LOCALIZATION, AND DOCUMENTATION COMPLIANCE CHARACTER OF THE M&E TOOL. The Standardized Monitoring and Evaluation Tool established under this Ordinance is strictly a monitoring, governance, documentation, and institutional learning instrument intended to promote transparency, continuity, responsible implementation, and sound youth governance practices.

The Tool shall serve as a structured mechanism for documenting implementation compliance with approved plans, authorized activities, budget utilization parameters, and basic program outputs. For purposes of this Ordinance, “compliance” refers solely to documentation of alignment with approved plans and authorized activities and shall not be construed as regulatory enforcement or disciplinary compliance.

This Tool constitutes a localized adaptation of monitoring and evaluation reference frameworks and documentation practices promoted by the National Youth Commission, contextualized to the governance realities and developmental objectives of the youth sector in Naga City. Completion and submission of the Tool may be considered as a documentation-based governance maturity indicator under the Seal of Good Youth Governance framework, without converting it into a performance rating, ranking mechanism, or enforcement instrument.

The Tool shall not be construed as:

1. A financial audit or substitute for statutory audit functions;
2. A performance rating, ranking, or competitive scoring system;
3. A technical impact evaluation or research instrument;
4. A disciplinary, investigative, or punitive mechanism; or
5. A precondition for the approval, funding, or conduct of Sangguniang Kabataan programs, projects, or activities.

Nothing in this Ordinance shall be interpreted to create criminal, civil, or administrative liability solely on the basis of responses or documentation provided through the Tool.

SECTION 9. USE OF M&E DATA AND GOVERNANCE LEARNING. Data generated through the Standardized Monitoring and Evaluation Tool shall be used exclusively for governance documentation, institutional learning, and planning development purposes, including:

1. Consolidation, documentation, and periodic reporting of youth sector initiatives;
2. Governance review, institutional learning, and identification of implementation patterns, recurring concerns, and good practices;
3. Planning enhancement, policy refinement, and alignment with local youth development priorities; and
4. Transparency documentation support and strengthening of institutional memory across Sangguniang Kabataan administrations.

Review of submissions shall emphasize patterns, trends, systemic observations, and developmental insights rather than isolated deficiencies, minor administrative lapses, or inadvertent reporting omissions.

Such data shall inform capacity-building initiatives, technical assistance, program improvement, and evidence-informed youth governance development, and shall not be used as an automatic basis for sanctions, penalties, or adverse administrative action.

SECTION 10. IMPLEMENTATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENT. The Standardized Monitoring and Evaluation Tool shall be accomplished once per activity following its completion as part of routine governance documentation and institutional learning processes.

Completion and submission of the Tool shall be required for post-activity consolidation, federation-level reporting, governance documentation, and recognition or incentive mechanisms that may be established by policy. Such requirement shall be understood as a documentation prerequisite only and shall not constitute a performance rating, enforcement measure, or disciplinary compliance mechanism.

Validation or review, when conducted, shall be random, risk-based, or thematic in nature, and shall be designed to minimize administrative burden on barangay Sangguniang Kabataan.

SECTION 11. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE, DATA STEWARDSHIP, AND OVERSIGHT. The Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Naga City shall serve as the policy steward and youth governance lead in the implementation of this Ordinance. The Federation shall oversee consistency of application of the MEL framework, facilitate institutional learning and inter-barangay knowledge sharing, integrate MEL documentation into recognition and governance review mechanisms consistent with Section 8, and recommend legislative refinements when necessary.

The Naga City Youth Development Office (NCYDO) shall serve as the technical steward and administrative custodian of consolidated MEL data. The NCYDO shall maintain and safeguard the consolidated database, support digital submission systems and data consolidation, provide technical assistance on documentation and reporting, and generate consolidated summaries consistent with Section 9.

Validation or review shall remain consistent with Section 10 and shall not create additional enforcement, disciplinary, or punitive mechanisms.

SECTION 12. DIGITAL SUBMISSION AND SYSTEMS ENABLEMENT. Submission of the Standardized Monitoring and Evaluation Tool may be accomplished through digital platforms, electronic forms, or other technology-enabled systems to improve accessibility, efficiency, and consolidation of data.

Manual submission shall remain permissible where digital infrastructure or connectivity is limited. Digitalization under this Section shall comply with applicable data privacy, cybersecurity, and records management standards.

SECTION 13. CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION WITH THE SK ACADEMY. To support effective and consistent implementation of the Standardized Monitoring and Evaluation Tool, capacity development initiatives may be provided to Sangguniang Kabataan officials and youth governance stakeholders.

Such initiatives may be integrated into the SK Academy Program and other existing capability-building mechanisms. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to impose additional mandatory training requirements beyond those otherwise prescribed by law or separate policy.

SECTION 14. UTILIZATION OF MEL DATA BY BARANGAY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS. Barangay Youth Development Councils (BYDCs) may utilize consolidated MEL data, subject to data privacy safeguards, to inform local youth planning, coordination, and program improvement consistent with the Local Youth Development Plan.

Such utilization shall emphasize institutional learning and collaborative development rather than evaluation of individual Sangguniang Kabataan performance.

SECTION 15. DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION. No personal or sensitive data shall be collected under the Standardized Monitoring and Evaluation Tool.

All information gathered shall be handled in accordance with applicable data privacy laws and shall be used solely for governance documentation, institutional learning, planning enhancement, transparency support, and other purposes expressly stated in this Ordinance.

Nothing in this Section shall be interpreted to authorize the collection of personally identifiable information, confidential beneficiary records, or sensitive individual data.

SECTION 16. IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES. The Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Naga City may issue implementing guidelines strictly for the purpose of standardizing the format, submission process, documentation protocols, and consolidation of the Standardized Monitoring and Evaluation Tool.

Such guidelines shall not introduce additional substantive requirements, training mandates, reporting burdens, or compliance conditions beyond those expressly provided in this Ordinance, nor shall they alter the non-punitive and developmental character of the Tool established herein.

SECTION 17. CONTINUITY AND FUTURE ENHANCEMENT. The Standardized M&E Tool may be refined or updated through implementing guidelines to reflect best practices and innovations, provided that such refinements do not increase reporting burden or alter the minimum nature of the requirement established herein.

SECTION 18. TRANSITORY PROVISION. During the initial implementation of this Ordinance, the Standardized Monitoring and Evaluation Tool shall function strictly as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) mechanism consistent with its non-punitive and developmental character.

As youth governance systems mature and institutional capacity strengthens, the Sangguniang Panlungsod may, through separate legislation, establish additional accountability mechanisms or integrate structured accountability components into the framework, transitioning it toward a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) model.

Until such legislative action is undertaken, the framework established under this Ordinance shall remain strictly MEL in character.

SECTION 19. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. If any provision of this Ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 20. REPEALING CLAUSE. All ordinances, resolutions, or issuances inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 21. EFFECTIVITY. This Ordinance shall take effect after compliance with publication and posting requirements prescribed by law.

ENACTED: March 2, 2026

WE HEREBY CERTIFY to the correctness of the foregoing ordinance.

GABRIEL H. BORDADO JR.
City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

LILIAN PASCUAL
Acting Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod

APPROVED:

MARIA LEONOR G. ROBREDO
City Mayor

ANNEX A

[BARANGAY / SK DISTRICT IN NAGA]
PPA TITLE		DATE/S OF IMP
MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION • Direct SK implementation • Joint / clustered implementation • Partner-led with SK oversight		NATURE OF ACTIVITY • One-off activity • Repeatable activity • Part of a continuing program
ADVOCACY AREAS COVERED	• Good Governance • Adolescent and Youth Health • Quality Education • Active Citizenship • Economic Empowerment	• Arts and Culture • Agriculture and Environment • Sports Development • Peace-building and Security • Spiritual Formation
IDENTIFY THE SPECIFIC PRIORITY AREA, STRATEGY, OR PROGRAM DIRECTION IN THE LOCAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAN (LYDP) THAT THIS ACTIVITY ALIGNS WITH.
INDICATE WHICH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL (SDG) THIS ACTIVITY CONTRIBUTES TO.
FUNDING SOURCE	• SK Fund • Barangay counterpart • City counterpart	• External partner • Mixed sourcesPlease specify: ____________
APPROVED BUDGET ALLOCATION (PHP)
ACTUAL AMOUNT SPENT (PHP)
BUDGET VARIANCE (PHP)
		YES	NO
Was the activity included in the approved CBYDP, AIP, or SK Resolution?
Was the activity implemented within the approved scope and timeframe?
Was spending within the approved budget?
Were funds spent only on items directly related to the approved activity?
Were procurement, payment, and liquidation requirements complied with?
Was the activity actually conducted as approved?
Were the intended target participants reached?
Were any deviations from the approved plan documented and justified?
Were inclusivity, accessibility, and non-discrimination observed?
Were safety, child protection, and data privacy considerations complied with?
Were there incidents, complaints, or risks that required action?
Was coordination with another barangay or city office required?
Was basic information about the activity publicly disclosed?
Were attendance sheets, photos, and supporting documents completed?
Is the activity ready for audit,  validation or federation review if required?
PRIMARY OUTPUT(S) DELIVERED • Training or capacity-building • Service delivery • Consultation or assembly • Materials / kits distributed • Policy / governance output Other: ___________		BASED ON IMPLEMENTATION, DID THE ACTIVITY CONTRIBUTE TO ITS OBJECTIVE? □ Yes □ Partially □ NoDID YOU PREPARE A SEPARATE KPI TOOL? □ Yes □ No
Total youth participants / beneficiaries:
Age group reached	□ 15–17    □ 18–24    □ 25–30
Gender	Female: ____    Male: ____    Other / Prefer not to say: ____
Youth sector reached	□ In-school youth □ OSY □ PWD □ Working Youth □ Indigenous youth □ LGBTQIA+ □ Other: _______
LEARNING AND IMPROVEMENT (One key budget, planning, or implementation improvement for future activities)