Speeding Business Application Processes in the Philippines

The Philippines is ranked 162 out of 183 countries in terms of ease of starting a business, according to the Doing Business 2010 Report. The Department of Trade and Industry has moved to raise the country's ranking by simplifying the process necessary to start sole proprietorships and corporations. A significant effort has been the development of the Unified Form in the department's National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center. (No. 21 | November 2009)

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When Size Matters - Improving Microfinance Outreach in Aceh Through a Revitalized Provincial Rural Bank Network

The Asian Development Bank-assisted Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Support Project aimed, among others, to develop sustainable and responsive financial services for micro and small enterprises in Aceh in Sumatra, Indonesia. By Mariano A. Cordero, Rizal Matondang, and Pieter Smidt (No. 20 | November 2009)

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Mapping the Sea: Knowledge for Natural Resources Management

With loss of life from the devastating tsunami of 2004, knowledge of fishing grounds around Aceh was reduced: the locations of reefs and other underwater hazards became less clear to the remaining fishers; consequently, they frequently damaged or lost their nets. To restore knowledge of fishing grounds, the ADB-assisted Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Support Project partnered with he Panglima Laot-Aceh's traditional fishing authority and with fishers to conduct a community-based bathymetric survey and map the ocean floor. The beneficiaries collected data to help produce maps of hazardous coastal areas, potential fishing grounds, and ocean currents. Because of the survey, the Panglima Laot and fishers learned to partner with others and their capacity to keep more transparent accounts was improved. By Pieter Smidt and Richard Beresford (No. 19 | October 2009)

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Partnering with Communities for Post-Disaster Reconstruction in Aceh and Nias Island, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Community contracts and block grant modalities successfully channeled reconstruction funds directly to targeted beneficiaries. Community participation hinged on effective support at all levels in partnership with and through the active involvement of local leaders and organizations.Community participation in project delivery systems enhanced ownership; created local employment, especially for women; and produced better quality outputs. By Pieter Smidt and Richard Beresford (No. 18 | October 2009)

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