Summary of GABAY (Guide) Year 5

Annual Performance Report

(July 2023 - June 2024)

The Gabay (Guide) project, a collaborative initiative between Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), completed its fifth year of implementation (July 2023 - June 2024), which served as the initial 12 months of an approved 18-month extension. The project continued its focus on strengthening inclusive education for children with sensorial disabilities while successfully expanding its geographical reach to three additional sites: Los Baños (Laguna), Bacacay (Albay), and Tanauan (Leyte). Year 5 also broadened the project's scope to address the educational needs of children with other disabilities, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Year 5 demonstrated significant progress across its Intermediate Results (IRs). Under IR1 (Improved Enrollment), PEEC training and screening activities in the new sites successfully identified and referred numerous children for enrollment, contributing to a notable cumulative increase in enrollment of blind, deaf, and deafblind learners from the 2019 baseline. IR2 (Improved Reading Performance) emphasized comprehensive capacity building for educators and parents, including specialized training and the inauguration of Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) equipped with necessary technology. Key assessments, like the EGRA endline for Deaf learners and BRA for blind learners, were also completed. IR3 (Improved Local Government Attention) fostered stronger partnerships, resulting in local ordinances and resource allocation discussions, reinforcing the operationalization of ILRCs and Hearing/Audiological Test Centers (H/ATCs).

The project team effectively navigated the complexities of expansion and staff transitions, adapting its operational approach and leveraging strong partnerships to maintain momentum.

   The RBI Gabay Team's impact is a testament to their collective expertise, resilience, and dedication. The robust financial management consistently provided by the Project Finance Manager since the project's inception, the strategic leadership, the specialized technical support (including JayVee Cabizares' valuable continued contributions), and the adaptable field teams were all critical components that enabled the project to expand its reach, address diverse needs, and make significant strides towards strengthening inclusive education in the Philippines over its five years of implementation.

   In summary, Year 5 successfully initiated expansion and consolidation efforts, exceeding many key performance indicators and building foundations for the future. The dedication of the RBI Gabay Team, including the vital financial oversight, continued specialized technical support, and adapted operational strategies, was key to its ability to deliver results and advocate for continued inclusion.